Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has renewed his support for the Palestinian cause, accusing the Israeli government of trying to remove Palestine from the global agenda.
Speaking in Ankara after meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye's support for an independent Palestinian state and said Ankara would continue diplomatic efforts toward that goal.
Erdoğan also warned against actions affecting Jerusalem's holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, as tensions over Gaza and Jerusalem remain high.
The Turkish president has repeatedly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over its policies toward Gaza and the Palestinians.
Abbas, meanwhile, has stressed that Palestinian statehood is essential to achieving a lasting and just peace.
The meeting comes as diplomatic efforts over Gaza face major obstacles, with disagreements remaining over Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament and the future political status of Gaza.
Erdoğan says Türkiye will continue supporting Palestinian rights and pushing for a political solution.
The Ankara meeting highlights the continuing diplomatic divide over Gaza, Jerusalem and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
