ANKARA, October 24. /TASS/: The conflict in the Middle East is escalating, causing more and more casualties among civilians in the Gaza Strip, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday.
"President Erdogan noted that the cruelty against Palestinian territories is getting worse and the number of casualties among civilians is growing every minute. President Erdogan also stressed that Turkey will continue its efforts to ensure tranquility in the region," the office of the Turkish president said after the phone talks.
Tensions flared up in the Middle East after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip attacked Israeli territory. Hamas views its attack as a response to Israeli authorities’ steps against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave and some areas in Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also reported in the West Bank.
