Erdogan vows continued support for Palestine, urges global pressure on Israel

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said that Türkiye would continue to support the Palestinian cause and push the international community to increase pressure on Israel.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the Palestinian leader in Ankara on August 14, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

During the meeting, held in a closed format, the two leaders discussed recent developments and the steps to be taken for a lasting ceasefire and peace in Gaza.

Erdogan condemned Israel's war in Gaza, the statement said, accusing some Western countries of remaining silent and continuing to support Israel.

Erdogan also told Abbas that all countries, especially in the Muslim world, should step up efforts to ensure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Israel's assault on Gaza started after the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Türkiye has denounced the war and has halted all trade with Israel. It submitted a request to join South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide.

Türkiye's invitation to Abbas came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the US Congress on July 25, which Ankara has condemned.

"We will show that Mr. Abbas has the right to speak in our parliament just as Netanyahu has the right to speak in the US Congress," Erdogan told members of his ruling AK Party on August 14 before meeting Abbas.

Erdogan, who has been a staunch supporter of Hamas, said Türkiye had also planned to invite the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran on July 31.