Turkish FM to visit Gaza

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is expected to pay a snap visit to Gaza on Nov. 20, diplomatic sources have said, noting that the visit will take place as part of the Arab League’s initiative to show support with the territory’s people following ongoing Israeli air strikes.

The Arab League decided Sunday during a meeting in Cairo to send a delegation that includes Davutoglu to Gaza to express support and solidarity. The Arab League’s decision came hours after Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan openly criticized the league for not taking effective steps in the face of the Israeli aggression against Palestinians.

In the meantime, Davutoglu accelerated an ongoing diplomatic campaign to halt the Israeli operation through hectic face-to-face and phone conversations with relevant parties. Erdogan and Davutoglu met Hamas political leader Khalid Mashaal in Cairo, and the foreign minister later talked to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.According to sources, Davutoglu said a truce could be reached if the United States guaranteed that Israel would abide by a cease-fire.

This visit to Gaza will also mark a first for Davutoglu, since he became the top diplomat in 2009.


/hurriyetdailynews.com/