Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Joe Biden during which he told the U.S. president that a quick cease-fire for Gaza would be possible if Washington withdrew its “unconditional” support for Israel.
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- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden, during which Erdogan suggested that a swift ceasefire in Gaza could be achieved if the United States withdrew its unconditional support for Israel. Erdogan emphasized the importance of a lasting ceasefire in the region and indicated that it was the U.S.’s historical responsibility to ensure this.
- Erdogan also raised concerns about the impact of the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, suggesting that they could have negative consequences both regionally and globally.
- In addition to discussing the situation in Gaza, the conversation between Erdogan and Biden covered Sweden’s bid to join NATO, which has been delayed partly due to objections from Turkey and Hungary. They also discussed Turkey’s request to purchase F-16 fighter jets.
- On the same day, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on the United States not to obstruct United Nations resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
- In a related development, communication services across Gaza have been severely disrupted due to the ongoing conflict. The Palestinian telecommunications provider Paltel announced a complete cessation of all communications and Internet services in the area, attributing this to the ongoing hostilities. This breakdown has occurred multiple times since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. Paltel serves users in both the West Bank and Gaza.
The Associated Press has the story:
Erdogan to Biden: Cease-fire is possible if US withdraws ‘unconditional support to Israel’
Newslooks- ANKARA, Turkey (AP)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Joe Biden during which he told the U.S. president that a quick cease-fire for Gaza would be possible if Washington withdrew its “unconditional” support for Israel.
During the call on Thursday, Erdogan also said that ensuring a lasting cease-fire in the region was the United States’ “historic” responsibility, according to a statement from the Turkish presidential communications directorate.
“The deepening and prolongation of Israel’s attacks may have negative regional and global consequences,” the statement quoted Erdogan as telling Biden.
The two leaders also discussed Sweden’s bid to join NATO which has been held up by Turkey and Hungary as well as Ankara’s request to purchase F-16 fighter jets, according to the statement.
Earlier on Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on the United States not to block United Nations resolutions for a cease-fire in Gaza.
COMMUNICATION SERVICES DOWN ACROSS GAZA DUE TO ONGOING FIGHTING
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian telecoms provider Paltel said Thursday all communication services across Gaza have dropped due to ongoing fighting, cutting the besieged territory off from the outside world.
“We regret to announce a complete cessation of all communications and Internet services with the Gaza Strip, due to the ongoing aggression,” Paltel said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Communication services in Gaza have dropped at least three times since the Oct. 7 start of the Israel-Hamas war, triggered by a deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel.
Paltel is the leading Palestinian telecommunications company, used by people in both the Israel-occupied West Bank and Gaza.
