ANKARA: Turkiye and Iran jointly called for a regional conference with the aim of preventing the further escalation of Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip since October 7.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, a day after Iran’s top diplomat held talks with Hamas leaders in Qatar.
Iran has warned that the armed groups it supports in the region might initiate attacks on Israel due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Fidan emphasized Turkey’s push for an immediate ceasefire, noting that “it is not difficult to predict that this cycle of violence will continue to escalate without a lasting solution to the conflict.” He added, “We are determined to prevent the human tragedy in Gaza from expanding into a wider regional conflict.”
Amir-Abdollahian shared information indicating that there is a growing likelihood of other armed groups in the region becoming involved in the conflict if conditions do not change. He stressed the urgency of achieving a ceasefire and a lasting peace.
Amir-Abdollahian further proposed convening a peace conference involving “Muslim and Arab” countries as soon as possible. Additionally, he called on the Muslim world to boycott Israeli products as a response to the ongoing conflict.
Since October 7, Israel has been conducting a military campaign in the Gaza Strip following an incursion by Hamas militants. The health ministry reports that the Israeli bombing campaign has claimed the lives of more than 8,796 innocent Palestinians, with a significant number of casualties being women and children.
