The conflict in the Middle East was discussed at the 16th SCO Summit in Tashkent

According to media reports, on November 9, 2023, during the 16th Summit of the Heads of State of the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation in Tashkent, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

“The Islamic world must take a common position and increase pressure on Israel,” Erdoğan stated.

Earlier, President Erdoğan, during a speech in the Turkish parliament, stated that Hamas represents “a liberation group of mujahideen fighting to protect their land and their citizens.”

The position of the Turkish president has caused dissatisfaction among Israeli authorities, and they recalled their ambassadors from Turkey.

Turkey also recalled its ambassador from Israel due to “the humanitarian tragedy occurring in the Gaza Strip as a result of ongoing Israeli attacks on the civilian population and Israel’s refusal to respond to calls for a ceasefire.” Erdoğan also stated that he “no longer sees Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a trusted interlocutor.”

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, as a result of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7 of this year, a total of 10,812 people have died, including 4,412 children and 2,918 elderly people. The number of injured has exceeded 27,000.

According to Israeli authorities, 1,400 people have been killed and between 200 and 250 people are being held captive by Hamas. Israeli authorities also reported 5,400 injured.

Media reports also indicate an escalation of the conflict and an attack by the Israeli army on the West Bank, as well as an increase in arrests and deaths among the local population.