ANKARA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye on Monday strongly condemned Israel's intensified ground operations in Gaza, calling for an immediate halt to the offensive and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
"At a time when negotiations are ongoing, Israel's extensive ground operation in Gaza undermines all attempts to achieve peace and stability. This development has once again demonstrated that Israel does not intend to achieve a lasting peace," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry reiterated its call for an immediate end to all military operations, urging humanitarian aid into Gaza and an urgent ceasefire.
Ankara called on the international community to take decisive action to prevent further escalation.
"It is of utmost importance for the international community to take effective and decisive steps against Israel to ensure regional peace and security. We call on the international community to take action in line with its legal and humanitarian obligations," said the statement.
Israel on Sunday launched a major ground incursion into multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, marking a new phase in its conflict with Hamas.
The objectives of the "Gideon's Chariots" operation include seizing key parts of the enclave, pushing a majority of Gaza's around 2 million residents further south, and resuming humanitarian aid distribution under stricter Israeli oversight, said Israeli officials.
Türkiye has been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has consistently voiced strong opposition to Israeli military actions in Gaza since the outbreak of the Israeli-Hamas conflict on Oct. 7, 2023. ■
