Turkey, Iran propose regional conference to prevent further escalation
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, a day after Iran's top diplomat had talks with Hamas leaders in Qatar.
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Palestinians stand by the bodies of people killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in front of the morgue in Deir al Balah City, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Turkey and Iran on Wednesday jointly presented a proposal for a regional conference aimed at preventing further escalation in the war in Gaza.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, a day after Iran's top diplomat had talks with Hamas leaders in Qatar.
Iran has previously warned that resistance groups in the region might potentially join the battle in support of Gaza in response to the ongoing Israeli genocide of the people of Gaza.
Fidan underscored Turkey's stance, advocating for an immediate ceasefire. He emphasized that, without a lasting resolution to the conflict, it is not difficult to predict that the cycle of violence will persist and intensify.
"We do not want the human tragedy in Gaza to turn into a war that affects the region's countries," Fidan said, adding that the Iranian foreign minister "shared with us that there are strong indications that other armed elements in the region may intervene in the conflict if conditions do not change."
"A ceasefire and peace have become more essential."
Turkish FM Hakan Fidan after meeting with Iranian FM Hossein Amirabdollahian:
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Amir-Abdollahian proposed the organization of a peace conference involving "Muslim and Arab" nations as a matter of urgency.
He also urged the Muslim world to boycott Israeli products in response to the ongoing genocide.
Read more: Erdogan to 'Israel': Snap out of your 'state of insanity' on Gaza
Following these statements, the Iranian diplomat held a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
Turkish President Erdogan meets with Iranian FM Hossein Amirabdollahian at Presidential Complex in Ankara pic.twitter.com/6Hju1Esrvi
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"If the war against the defenseless people of Gaza is not stopped immediately, there is a risk of expanding the scope of war and conflict in the region at any moment," he said in a statement issued by the Iranian foreign ministry.
"It is necessary for Islamic countries to take immediate and effective action to end the war crimes of the Zionist regime, lift the siege of Gaza, and send humanitarian aid, and in this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the necessity of holding an urgent meeting of heads of Islamic and Arab countries," he added.
The Gaza Strip has been under constant attacks by Israeli forces since October 7, which led to the murder of more than 8,700 people and the injury of 25,000 civilians, according to official numbers.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, the Israeli aggression has resulted in more than 8,796 casualties, with around two-thirds of them being women and children.
Read more: 'Israel' recalls diplomats amid Erdogan 'war crimes' critique
