Turkish, Emirati top diplomats discuss humanitarian situation in Gaza amid ongoing conflict

The Turkish foreign minister on Friday spoke over phone with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Turkish diplomatic sources said.

During the phone call between Hakan Fidan and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, "the humanitarian situation in Gaza was discussed within the context of recent developments in Israel and Palestine," said the sources on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.

The Israel-Palestine conflict escalated into a humanitarian crisis on Oct. 7, when Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air.

Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers' growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip in response.

Israel's response has extended to cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.