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Turkey calls on US to get 'Israel' involved in ceasefire talks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Dec 2023 00:21

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his US counterpart that he should get the Israeli occupation on the negotiations table and bring about a deal regarding the cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends a news conference about the aggression on Gaza and pressure to reduce civilian casualties, December 8, 2023, in Washington, DC, the United States (AP)

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a phone call to take immediate action and bring the Israeli occupation to the negotiations table for a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip, Russian news agency Sputnik reported, citing a diplomatic source in Ankara.

The conversation, initiated by the US side, addressed a range of issues, including Turkish-US bilateral relations as well as regional and global concerns.

The diplomatic source, speaking to Sputnik, revealed that Fidan emphasized the urgent need for the Israeli occupation's participation in negotiations to initiate a political process.

The process in question was "aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution after a complete ceasefire."

"Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan drew attention to the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the West Bank and urged the US to use its influence on Israel to stop the attacks," the source explained.

Beyond the aggression on Gaza and Operation al-Aqsa Flood, Fidan and Blinken delved into various geopolitical matters, including tensions between Israel and Palestine, Sweden's NATO bid, the delivery of F-16 jets to Turkey, and collaboration in the defense-industrial sector.

Turkey seeks ceasefire in Gaza

In a recent phone conversation, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in discussions with United Arab Emirates (UAE) leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. The Turkish president's office revealed that both parties deliberated on steps aimed at establishing a sustainable ceasefire in the region.

During the call, Erdogan emphasized the urgency of halting "Israel's" brutal attacks and underscored the importance of resolutely advancing efforts toward a permanent ceasefire. The leaders also tackled Turkey's initiatives to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestine and explored measures to promote lasting peace in the Gaza Strip.

Erdogan highlighted the significance of diligently implementing decisions arising from the joint summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States. He urged a continued commitment to these decisions and the pursuit of international support for Palestine. The statement from Erdogan's office emphasized the need for unity in these efforts to achieve peace in the region.