Erdogan Calls on World Powers to Pressure Israel to Stop Attacks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged for an "immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions" on Wednesday, stating that "Islamic countries must cooperate to achieve lasting peace." Erdogan called on global powers to pressure Israel to halt its attacks. In a speech to members of the ruling Justice and Development Party in parliament, Erdogan emphasized the importance of keeping the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip open for humanitarian aid and called for an urgent resolution to the prisoner exchange. He expressed sorrow over the "inability" of the United Nations to agree on a resolution regarding the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the call for a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons. Erdogan also called for reform of the United Nations, stating: "The Security Council needs to be reformed to be more inclusive."