Ankara, Dec 15: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with US President Joe Biden to address the Israel-Hamas conflict, bilateral relations and Sweden’s NATO bid. During the call on Thursday, Erdogan stressed the need to immediately stop the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. He suggested that an early end to America’s unconditional support for Israel could hasten a ceasefire.
Erdogan stressed America’s historic responsibility in ensuring a lasting ceasefire in the region. He cautioned against the potential negative consequences of Israel’s prolonged attacks, advocating the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with territorial integrity based on the 1967 borders and with Jerusalem as its capital.
The leaders also discussed the possible sale of F-16 fighter jets, with Erdogan expressing hope for approval by the US Congress before Turkey ratifies Sweden’s NATO membership bid in the coming weeks.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has been ongoing since October 7, has left 18,787 people dead and more than 50,000 injured in the Gaza Strip as of Thursday, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli figures indicate about 1,200 deaths during a surprise Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October.
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