Erdogan meets with Abbas, pledges to intensify global pressure on Israel

According to Erdogan’s office, the leaders discussed recent events and strategies for achieving a lasting ceasefire and peace in Gaza.

Erdogan criticized the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, accusing some Western nations of remaining silent and backing Israel. He urged all countries, particularly those in the Muslim world, to enhance their efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire and ensure the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Abbas is scheduled to speak before an extraordinary session of Turkey’s parliament on Thursday. The Gaza conflict erupted on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages.

Turkey has condemned the conflict, suspended all trade with Israel, and requested to join South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of genocide. Erdogan emphasized that Turkey's invitation to Abbas was intended to show support, particularly in light of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the US Congress on July 25, which Ankara criticized. Erdogan stated, “We will demonstrate that Mr. Abbas has the right to speak in our parliament just as Netanyahu has the right to speak in the US Congress.”

Erdogan also noted that Turkey had intended to invite Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh before Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran.