Turkey in talks with Israel, Egypt over Gaza

Yes, although it accuses Israel of committing "genocide" on Palestinians and Egypt of "tyranny," as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in an interview with CNN International, Turkey is in talks with both countries as part of efforts to secure an immediate and lasting truce between Hamas and Israel.

It was Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu who disclosed this communication with both countries, underlining that when it comes to saving even one Palestinian life, Turkey would not hesitate to talk to them. This is how it should be.

As for talks with Israel, Davutoğlu said Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioğlu was using an already established communication channel with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s advisor Joseph Ciechanover. Davutoğlu did not give details on the Egyptian talks, but simply said there were "contact points." 

In both countries, Turkey’s embassies are open and continue their services. This has become especially crucial for the mobilization of Turkish humanitarian aid agencies to provide for the immediate needs of Palestinians in Gaza, even during the latest Israeli operation. Davutoğlu informed that the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) was actively working in the region to help Palestinians and, while doing so, it was also in close contact with Israeli institutions. With life conditions getting worse in Gaza, TİKA, along with other agencies, has intensified its efforts, Davutoğlu recalled, saying it was now trying to supply fuel to Gaza.

Turkey’s role is not limited to providing humanitarian assistance. Marie Harf, spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, responding to the the question, “Why is [U.S. Secretary of State John] Kerry talking...

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