Turkey is set to escalate efforts to mediate in the Gaza Strip conflict. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to visit Qatar on Tuesday for discussions with the emirate's authorities and the leadership of the Palestinian movement Hamas. The Turkish government also aims to revive the activities of the Contact Group of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League on Gaza, as reported by the Hürriyet newspaper.
During a telephone conversation with Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the need for increased efforts from the Islamic world to address the situation in Gaza.
"Despite Netanyahu's attempts to divert attention from Gaza and the escalating crisis, the root of the problem remains clear. It is time to halt the ongoing events and address the core issue – the conflict between Israel and Gaza," writes columnist Hande Fırat in a pro-government Turkish publication. She highlights that Western countries, while backing Israel, harbor concerns about potential retaliation against Iran, leading them to express their apprehensions to Turkey.
Earlier, Al Jazeera reported, citing an unnamed US official, that Israel might launch strikes deep inside Iran in response to any Iranian aggression. The source suggested that Israel's aim would not necessarily be to escalate tensions but to showcase its military capabilities.
On the evening of April 13, Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, citing various grievances including an attack attributed to Israel on the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus. Iranian state media claimed the targets were military installations. The Israel Defense Forces stated they intercepted 99% of approximately 350 Iranian projectiles aimed at the Jewish state, causing minor damage to the Nevatim air base.
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Based on materials from TASS