Turkey says recalling its ambassador to Israel

By Agencies 4 November 2023, 3:15 pm 2 Edit

Sakir Ozkan Torunlar, Turkey's ambassador to Israel, presents Col. (res.) Golan Vach, the head of a search and rescue delegation to the country, with a bouquet of flowers, at a ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport, February 13, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

Turkey says it is recalling its ambassador to Israel for consultations due to Israel’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Turkish foreign ministry says Sakir Ozkan Torunlar was being recalled “in view of the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in Gaza caused by the continuing attacks by Israel against civilians, and Israel’s refusal (to accept) a ceasefire.”

Israel says it intends to pursue the war until it destroys Hamas’s power in Gaza. It has also said there can be no ceasefire that does not include a return of all the more than 240 hostages being held in Gaza