This Article is From Jul 21, 2014

Turkey Declares Three Day Mourning over Gaza

Turkey Declares Three Day Mourning over Gaza

Smoke and flames are seen following what witnesses said were Israeli air strikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on July 9

Ankara: Turkey's government announced a three-day period of national mourning, starting on Tuesday, in a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting Monday, Deputy Bulent Arinc voiced concern over the increasing Palestinian civilian death toll and said Turkey was supporting efforts for a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel.

Turkey has become one of the most outspoken critics of Israel over the war in Gaza, with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing Israel of "barbarism surpassing Hitler." Erdogan also said frayed ties with Israel would not improve under his watch.

Palestinian officials said at least 550 Palestinians have been killed and 3,350 wounded since the new round of fighting started on July 8. Twenty Israelis, including 18 soldiers, were also killed.
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