Ankara: Trkiye on Wednesday will mourn the losses from a fire that broke out in a hotel in Bolu, claiming at least 66 people's lives, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan spoke after a Cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara, addressing international issues and urging the Arab and Islamic world to support Syria's recovery 'before others' and for Western states to lift their sanctions on the war-torn country.

Erdogan expressed Trkiye's support for Syria's post-Bashar Assad reconstruction, emphasizing that as Syria recovers and strengthens, the benefits will extend not only to Syrians but to the entire region.

On the recent Gaza ceasefire, Erdogan criticized Israel, highlighting the heavy toll on Gazans and praising their resilience. He mentioned the casualties and injuries inflicted by Israel since October 2023, characterizing the actions as a 'policy of depopulation' of Gaza.

Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the ceasefire in Gaza, noting the renewed hope among its residents. He criticized Israel's history of violating ceasefires and urged continued international pressure to prevent future violations.

He reiterated Trkiye's commitment to increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, aiming to bolster the efforts before the holy month of Ramadan. Erdogan also emphasized Trkiye's intention to work towards lasting peace in the region, using the ceasefire as an opportunity.