UPDATE - Take initiative for 2-state solution to Israel-Palestine conflict, Turkish President Erdogan urges G-20 leaders

ADDS STATEMENTS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT

By Muhammed Enes Calli and Yildiz Nevin Gundogmus

ISTANBUL/ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called on the Group of 20 leaders to "take an initiative in realizing a two-state solution" to resolve the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

Speaking at a virtual summit meeting of G-20 leaders hosted by India, Erdogan said: "The tragedy unfolding in the occupied Palestinian lands, especially in Gaza, has exceeded the limits of humanity's tolerance."

Türkiye is ready to take a role, including as a guarantor, with other countries in a possible new security structure in the Israel-Palestine conflict, he reiterated.

"None of what is happening (in Gaza) can be explained with the right to self-defense. War crimes are crimes against humanity are clearly being committed there," Erdogan added.

"Israel forced Palestinians to migrate from their homeland. They mercilessly bombed hospitals, schools, camps, places of worship, and churches, where the Palestinians sought refuge in a last glimmer of hope to escape death," said Erdogan. "They even lost control to the extent of threatening to use nuclear bombs, a threat they had always denied until now."

"Those responsible for these actions must be held accountable before the international law, along with the conscience of humanity," he said.

Erdogan stressed that Türkiye cannot justify or legitimize any actions targeting civilians.

He urged G20 leaders to respond with the same outrage against civilian deaths, regardless of whether they are Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Muslim or Christian.

Erdogan also welcomed the humanitarian pause agreement, which includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners, announced by Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, describing the move as “a positive development.”

Turkish leader expressed hope that the step will contribute to the establishment of a permanent cease-fire and peace as soon as possible.

Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing humanitarian aid efforts in the region.

"Until now, we have sent 11 planes and a civilian ship loaded with 666,000 tons of aid materials to El Arish International Airport in northeastern Egypt in cooperation with our Egyptian brothers," said Erdogan.

"We continue to facilitate the transfer of wounded people, especially cancer patients and children, to Türkiye for treatment," he added.

Erdogan called on G20 leaders to take the necessary steps for the uninterrupted supply and delivery of humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip following an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, killing at least 14,128 Palestinians, including 5,840 children and 3,920 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.

Early Wednesday, Israel and Hamas announced a humanitarian pause agreement, which includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

Under the deal, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the US, 50 Israelis held by Hamas will be released in exchange for 150 Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails, Israeli media reported.

The agreement also includes a four-day pause in fighting and the entry of 300 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid, including fuel, into the Gaza Strip.

It allows an extension of the pause and the potential release of more children and women held by the two sides.

*Zehra Nur Duz contributed to the story in Ankara.