Israel seeks to undermine the national unity of Palestine with its strikes to prevent the formation of an independent state, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Gul said: “Our priority is to reach a ceasefire, stop the bloodshed and send humanitarian aid to people in Gaza suffering from the Israeli embargo.”
Abbas came to Istanbul on Friday as part of a two-day official visit on the invitation of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the Gaza conflict with Israel.
Gul said: "Turkey will always stand in solidarity with Palestine and the Palestinian cause."
Abbas also praised Turkey’s efforts in the UN and the support that Turkey gives to Palestine, hailing Turkey’s role as honorary.
The Israeli army launched a ground invasion of Gaza on Thursday evening following ten days of airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave.
At least 271 Palestinians have been killed – and more than 2,050 injured, many seriously – since Israel launched its offensive on July 7 with the ostensible aim of halting rocket fire from Gaza.
www.aa.com.tr/en
