Erdogan says Israel undermining efforts to end war

ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that Israel “feeds on conflict” and accused Tel Aviv of undermining all efforts to halt the war in the Middle East. Speaking after a weekly cabinet meeting at the presidential complex, Erdogan said the war that began on February 28 continues to claim lives despite diplomatic efforts. “The Israeli government has continued to undermine all initiatives aimed at ending the war,” Erdogan said after a weekly cabinet meeting. “If there is even the slightest chance to silence the weapons and open space for negotiations, we are making sincere efforts to seize it,” he added. “Our hope is that this unlawful, senseless, illegitimate, and extremely costly war for all humanity will come to an end as soon as possible.” Erdogan also said Turkey has stepped up diplomatic contacts to achieve a ceasefire. “As the war drags on, we have warned that the fire could spread to other countries. As we leave behind the 38th day of the conflict, we unfortunately continue to carry the same concerns for our region,” he said. “In the face of increasing risks, I, as president, on one hand, and our ministers on the other, are accelerating our diplomatic contacts,” he added. Erdogan also warned that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz would not affect a single sector but would have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. The Turkish president noted that Turkey currently faces no problems regarding energy supply security, production inputs or storage. He added that the country has sufficient agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, and will not face shortages in food supply thanks to measures taken by the government. Erdogan had previously warned that continued military escalation in the region would carry heavy consequences, stressing that the cost of war is borne not only by the parties involved but by humanity as a whole. Turkey has attempted to mediate an end to the hostilities, notably through negotiations conducted with Pakistan and Egypt. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday met with the US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, who called the meeting “productive.” “Turkey’s partnership continues to be vital as we work toward @POTUS’s (Trump’s) vision for a more secure region,” the ambassador said on X, using Turkey’s official name. Fidan also spoke on the phone with his Iranian counterpart to discuss “the course of war and other developments,” a Turkish diplomatic source said. — Agencies