Erdogan Pledges Continued Support for Palestinian Cause Amid Gaza Conflict

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan assured visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday that Turkey will continue to support the Palestinian cause and advocate for increased international pressure on Israel, Erdogan's office reported.

The two leaders discussed recent developments and escalatory steps for achieving a lasting ceasefire and peace in Gaza, Erdogan's office stated in a post on X.

Erdogan condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, criticizing certain Western countries for their silence and continued support for Israel. He emphasized that all countries, especially those in the Muslim world, should intensify efforts to ensure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Abbas is scheduled to address an extraordinary session of Turkey's parliament on Thursday. The conflict in Gaza escalated after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

Turkey has denounced the war and ceased all trade with Israel. It has requested to join South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide. The invitation to Abbas followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the U.S. Congress on July 25, which Ankara 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 U.S. Congress,” Erdogan told members of his ruling AK Party on Wednesday before meeting Abbas. He added that Turkey had also intended to invite Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran.

(With inputs from agencies.)