Turkey: Erdogan, Putin discuss Israeli attacks against Palestinians

Erdogan, Putin

ISTANBUL, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed Israeli attacks against the Palestinians during a phone conversation, Turkey's presidential office said in a statement Wednesday.

Erdogan said the international community should teach Israel a "strong and deterrent" lesson to stop its "reckless attacks" on Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Palestinians.

He also noted it is important for the UN Security Council to intervene in before the crisis further worsens.

The council should convey "determined and clear" messages to Israel on halting its attacks, said the Turkish leader.

At least 48 Palestinians, including 14 children, were killed and over 300 people were injured in the past days during clashes with Israeli security forces in East Jerusalem and other Palestinian territories.