Thousands demonstrate to show solidarity with the Palestinian people amid Israel's indiscriminate attacks on the Gaza Strip that have claimed over 20,000 lives, Galata Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey, Jan. 1, 2024. (Credit: AFP)
The United States called Monday on Turkey and Israel to resolve their differences after Ankara vowed to halt trade in a bid to force a Gaza cease-fire.
"They are both allies of ours and we would encourage them to work through their differences," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said when asked about the trade freeze.
He declined further comment. The United States often is cautious in public comments on Turkey after past rhetorical feuds quickly escalated with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan, a strident critic of Israel, said Friday that Turkey will try through the trade boycott to "force Israel to agree to a cease-fire" and increase aid.
Turkey is one of the few Muslim-majority countries to recognize Israel and Erdogan had faced criticism domestically for not taking action sooner.
The United States called Monday on Turkey and Israel to resolve their differences after Ankara vowed to halt trade in a bid to force a Gaza cease-fire.
"They are both allies of ours and we would encourage them to work through their differences," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said when asked about the trade freeze.
He...