‘Israeli war crimes in Jerusalem should be stopped’

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) – Israel’s continued war crimes against Palestinians must be brought to an immediate halt, said Turkey's communications director on Thursday.

“Israel, which is solely responsible for war crimes in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, should be stopped immediately,” Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter.

“Turkey's attitude towards Israel's terrorist acts and occupation policy is clear,” he added.

An international protection mechanism should be established for Palestinians, with military and financial contributions, he said.

Earlier, he said on Twitter that Turkey has long stood by the oppressed against the subjugation of tyrants.

Turkey “took on the responsibility to speak up for what is fair and true on all platforms. Justice must be universal,” he added.

At least 232 Palestinians have been killed, including 39 women and 65 children, and over 1,700 others injured in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since May 10, according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry. Health centers, media offices and residential neighborhoods have been targeted.

Recent tensions that started in East Jerusalem during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan spread to Gaza as a result of Israeli assaults on worshippers at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. In 1980 it annexed the entire city, a move never recognized by the international community.