Ankara: Trkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in a phone call on Sunday to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and explore prospects for peace in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan expressed grave concern over the worsening conditions in Gaza and emphasized the need for swift international intervention. He stated, "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening," and urged the global community to take action toward an immediate solution.

Erdogan also reiterated his call for a long-term resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the necessity of a two-state solution for lasting peace. He commended France's decision to formally recognize Palestine as a state, congratulating Macron on this move, which has been welcomed by pro-Palestinian voices worldwide.

Macron announced that Paris would formally recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September. France is set to become the first member of the G7 to recognize a Palestinian state, joining 147 of the 193 UN member states that officially recognize Palestine.

The decision comes amid Israel's continued offensive on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, resulting in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, and causing the collapse of Gaza's health system and severe food shortages.

Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, France has become increasingly critical of Israel's military actions, particularly those causing civilian casualties. Macron has condemned the bombing of civilians, called for an immediate ceasefire at the UN Security Council, and cautioned that Israel's operations in Rafah may violate international law.