The embargo imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip, in this context the closure of the border gates between Israel and the Gaza Strip and lastly the cutting off of fuel supplies is cause of great concern.

As a result of these measures, the conditions of the civilian population of Gaza, already living under the harshest circumstances, have further deteriorated, serious disruptions have occurred in the distribution of water and electricity, as well as in health services.

Turkey is convinced that embargoes and blockades, which further aggravate the life of the people in the Gaza Strip, merely serve the goals of extremist elements. Turkey calls for an immediate end to these practices.

It is, of course, our expectation that the rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip to Israel and the military operations of Israel directed at Gaza come to a halt.