UPDATE - Turkish president, Italian premier discuss escalating Israeli attacks in Gaza in phone call

UPDATES WITH COMMENTS FROM MELONI

By Muhammed Enes Calli and Giada Zampano

ISTANBUL/ROME (AA) - Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke over the phone and discussed Israel's relentless attacks in the Gaza Strip, the Turkish Presidency said on Wednesday.

“The call addressed the escalating Israeli attacks, including human rights violations, in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis in the region,” the presidency said on X.

“Pointing out that atrocities against the Palestinian territories are deepening and civilian deaths are increasing by the minute, President Erdogan underscored that they will work for the punishment of Israel, which has committed war crimes, in international courts and that he expects support from Italy to ensure a ceasefire and lasting peace,” it added.

- Meloni highlights crucial role of Türkiye

The Italian premier said she hoped for a rapid de-escalation in the conflict, which must not spread to the rest of the region, and underlined the crucial role that Türkiye has in this context.

Both leaders reaffirmed their willingness to contribute to security and stability in this difficult phase of the region.

"The conversation was an opportunity to reiterate Italy's position and in particular the need for an immediate release of the hostages by Hamas and the support for humanitarian pauses in favor of the civilian population in Gaza," a statement by Meloni's office said.

"In this context, Meloni informed Erdogan on the Italian humanitarian aid arriving via Egypt and the possible further assets to be deployed in favor of the civilian population of Gaza," it added.

The two leaders underlined the importance of maintaining close coordination on the evolution of the crisis and expressed the hope that they could soon have a new opportunity to meet.