ANKARA: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The discussion, part of Blinken’s Mideast tour aimed at resolving the conflict in the Palestinian enclave, emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid, as reported by APA, citing Turkish media.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Fidan highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in northern Gaza, where Israel has maintained a siege for nearly three weeks. He stressed the importance of uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to the territory and called for an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Furthermore, Fidan urged all parties involved to exercise restraint to prevent the escalation of a regional conflict.

The conversation also touched on the ongoing situation in Ukraine, where Russia’s military operation, initiated in February 2022, continues amidst increasing calls for a diplomatic resolution. In addition, Blinken extended condolences for the
recent terrorist attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries headquarters in Ankara, which resulted in five deaths and 22 injuries.