Türkiye calls for restraint amid reported Israel attack on Iran

REGION  19 April 2024 - 17:42

Amid reports of an Israeli attack targeting Iran, Türkiye has called on all parties to exercise restraint, stressing the importance of preventing further escalation.

"In light of the latest developments, it is becoming increasingly evident that the tensions that were initially caused by Israel's illegal attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus risk turning into a permanent conflict," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ministry urged "all parties to refrain from steps that could lead to a wider conflict", according to Daily Sabah.

"The priority of the international community should be to stop the massacre in Gaza and to ensure lasting peace in our region by establishing a Palestinian state," it said.

Tension escalated further between Iran and Israel after Tehran launched a drone and missile attack on Saturday in response to the April 1 attack on its consulate in Syria, in which seven military advisers were killed. The ministry statement came after a reported Israeli attack on Iran as sounds of heavy explosions were heard in at least two Iranian cities in the wee hours of Friday morning amid an alleged Israeli attack inside Iran.

Iran's neighbor Türkiye severed ties with Israel after the Netanyahu government launched an all-out attack on the Gaza Strip, targeting innocent civilians. Ankara has pursued intense diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which claimed the lives of thousands of people, since October 7. It has repeatedly called on the international community to contribute to efforts for a cease-fire and full access of the Palestinian enclave to humanitarian aid amid Israeli blockade.

Western states have sought to send Iran messages via Türkiye in recent days to reiterate appeals for de-escalation, a Western diplomat said on April 19. The messages were conveyed before reported Israeli attacks on Iran early on April 19, after which Tehran indicated it had no plans for further retaliation.

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