UPDATE - Israel heading into world isolation, says Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS FROM TURKISH PRESIDENT ERDOGAN

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Israel is now heading towards international isolation, a trend which will only grow in the coming days, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after performing prayers in Istanbul, Erdogan said that during a phone call Thursday with his US counterpart Biden, they extensively discussed developments in Gaza, with Erdogan telling Biden that now is the time for the US to step in.

During the phone call, Erdogan tol Biden that Türkiye will not stand idly by in the face of crimes against humanity being committed in Gaza.

Erdogan told reporters that the number of countries voting in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza had risen in between two votes on the subject, in October and last week.

The UN General Assembly on Dec. 12 overwhelmingly adopted a draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.

The non-binding resolution, presented by Egypt with the support of nearly 100 countries, including Türkiye, passed with 153 votes in favor – up from 121 votes in favor for a similar resolution on Oct. 26.

"Expecting goodwill from Israel is not possible," Erdogan added.

Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip from the air and land, imposed a siege, and mounted a ground offensive in the wake of a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 18,787 Palestinians have since been killed and nearly 51,000 injured in the Israeli onslaught, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

The Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stands at 1,200, while 135 hostages are still held by the Palestinian group in Gaza, according to official figures.

- Sell of F-16 to Türkiye

On the US sale of F-16s to Türkiye, Erdogan said Biden told him that he has a "positive perspective" on the matter and is ready to present his proposal to Congress.

Biden said that the US values the decision the Turkish parliament will make on Sweden's NATO membership, Erdogan said.

Erdogan told Biden that parliament stressed its honest approach to Sweden, as long as the Swedish government brings their approach to terrorism under control.

After a protracted process to buy the latest model of F-16s and upgrade kits for older models, Erdogan has suggested that Türkiye and the US move to approve the F-16 sales and Sweden’s NATO membership bid at around the same time.

On Türkiye’s possible purchase of Eurofighter jets, Erdogan said the Turkish Defense Ministry is talking with relevant parties.