ISTANBUL: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday held a crucial meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday. Both discussed the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and navigating concerns about the forthcoming sale of US fighter jets to Ankara.
This meeting marked the initial leg of Blinken’s fourth crisis tour since the Gaza conflict began three months ago, with subsequent visits planned for Israel and the West Bank.
Blinken’s discussions with Erdogan, known for his strong criticisms of Israel and US support for the nation, aimed at urging Israel to increase aid to Palestinians and transition to a combat phase allowing displaced people to return home. The talks also focused on containing the violence and future governance of the region post-conflict.
Erdogan Accuses US of Supporting Genocide of Palestinians
Erdogan, a vocal critic of the Israeli offensive, accused the US of supporting the “genocide” of Palestinians and defended Hamas as legitimately elected “liberators.”
The US State Department’s announcement of $10 million rewards for information on alleged Hamas foreign operatives, added a complex layer to the discussions. Turkey, in response, detained 34 persons suspected of planning attacks against Palestinians and spying for Israel.
Erdogan has been leveraging Turkey’s veto power to influence Sweden’s NATO accession process. Blinken seeks assurances on a ratification vote for Sweden’s NATO entry, possibly linked to the sale of US F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits for Turkey’s air force.
The Turkish foreign ministry issued a brief statement highlighting talks on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sweden’s NATO accession, and bilateral and regional issues.
Blinken is set to travel to Crete to discuss concerns about the sale of US fighter jets with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Greece opposes the jet sales due to territorial disputes with Turkey in the energy-rich eastern Mediterranean.
