The latest and by far the deadliest Gaza war broke out when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct 7, killing more than 1,400 people, most of them civilians, and taking 222 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza says 5,791 people have been killed, again mostly civilians, as Israel has bombarded the territory.
Erdogan had taken a more measured tone in the first day of war, condemning all attacks against civilians and urging Israel to be measured in its response.
But he became much more vocal after the deadly blast at a hospital in Gaza last week, leading to large and angry protests across the Muslim world.
On Tuesday, he accused the United Nations Security Council – where the United States, Britain and France have permanent seats – of bowing to the “Israeli regime”.
On Wednesday, he added: “Those outside the region should stop pouring fuel into the fire.
“All parties should take their hands off the trigger and a ceasefire should be declared immediately … Direct or indirect negotiations should be initiated to release the hostages,” he said.
Erdogan is expected to appear at a massive rally in Istanbul on Saturday defending Palestinian rights.
Source: CNA
