TODAY.AZ / World news

Turkey urges Egypt to change Gaza siege policy

15 February 2010 [12:52] - TODAY.AZ
Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan Sunday called on UN to warn Israel over the siege imposed for years on Gaza that nearly 1500 Palestinians were killed in the 22-day offensive.
Turkish PM also urged Egypt to change its policy over the siege.

Gaza is still considered under Israeli occupation as Israel controls air, sea and land access to the Strip.

Human rights groups, both international and Israeli, slam Israel’s siege of Gaza, branding it “collective punishment.”

In response to a question at a joint press conference with Qatari Premier and Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani, Erdogan urged United Nations to warn Israel calling on Egypt to change its attitude so that reconstruction of Gaza could begin.

Responding to a question on Egyptian position on entrance of international aid to Gaza, Erdogan pointed out that one of the four gates into Gaza was located in the Egyptian border. He said despite this fact equipment and material for reconstruction was still not allowed into Gaza.

Erdogan said Turkey would stand by its word and was ready to contribute to reconstruction of Gaza, calling on all countries which committed to contribute in the donor conference in Sharm El Seikh, to honour their words.

1.5 million Gazans live under heavy Israel siege and "Muslim" Egypt still insists on not to opening the only Gaza border crossing in a move condemned around the world in protests, leaving Gazans desperate to digging tunnels underground and risking their lives since 2007.

The Rafah crossing with Egypt is Gaza's sole border crossing that bypasses Israel.

/World Bulletin/
URL: http://www.today.az/news/regions/61595.html

Print version

Views: 1748

Connect with us. Get latest news and updates.

Recommend news to friend

  • Your name:
  • Your e-mail:
  • Friend's name:
  • Friend's e-mail: