Erdogan, Biden discuss Gaza, Sweden's accession to NATO, F-16s
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The Turkish President tells Biden that the United States has a "historic responsibility" to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with US President Joe Biden during a NATO leaders summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, July 11, 2023 (Turkish Presidential Press Office)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed to US President Joe Biden on Thursday that the United States has a "historic responsibility" in ensuring a ceasefire in Gaza, marking a lower tone that he has adopted recently.
Last week, the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council UNSC resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, in alignment with its fixed stance that this is not the time for a ceasefire despite the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Strip, claiming that it would only empower the Resistance.
Commenting on the event, Erdogan slammed the US on Sunday, adding that the UNSC has become an "Israel protection council" in the past two months and that it requires reform.
"The world is bigger than five," he said then, referring to the five permanent UNSC members with veto powers. "The United States stands by Israel with its money and military equipment. Hey, America! How much are you going to pay for that?"
He continued, "Another world is possible, but without America."
Read more: Turkish-Israeli relations strained but reparable: Turkey diplomat
Gaza, Sweden and F-16s
During a phone call with his counterpart, Erdogan highlighted the potential "negative regional and global consequences" if the Israeli war on the Strip continues.
Without mentioning an urgent timeline, he told Biden that "the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza" must be stopped "as soon as possible."
This was the first discussion between the two leaders since October 7.
"President Erdogan stated that the intensification and prolongation of Israeli attacks could have negative regional and global consequences," the Turkish Presidency said in a statement.
"Withdrawal of the United States' unconditional support for Israel can guarantee a rapid ceasefire," it continued.
Moreover, the presidency office said the presidents also discussed NATO, Sweden's accession to the coalition, and the issue of the F-16 fighter jets.
