[Published: Tuesday May 15 2018]
Turkey recalls ambassadors to Israel and United States
ANKARA 15 May (ANA) - Turkey has recalled its ambassadors to Israel and the United States following the killing of dozens of Palestinian protesters by Israeli forces amid the
opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.
The diplomats, currently stationed in Washington, DC, and Tel Aviv, will return to Turkey for "consultations", Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Monday, adding that three
days of national mourning had been declared in solidarity with Palestine.
Ankara also called for an emergency summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to be held this week - possibly on Friday - and a UN General Assembly meeting over
Israel's use of force, Bozdag added.
The move came just hours after Israeli forces fired live ammunition, tear gas and firebombs at Palestinians protesting along the coastal enclave's fence with Israel, killing at least 55
people and wounding more than 2,700 others.
South Africa also recalled its ambassador to Israel on Monday.
"Given the indiscriminate and grave manner of the latest Israeli attack, the South African government has taken a decision to recall Ambassador Sisa Ngombane with immediate effect
until further notice," South Africa's foreign ministry said in a statement.
"The victims were taking part in a peaceful protest against the provocative inauguration of the US embassy in Jerusalem," it said, condemning "violent aggression carried out by Israeli
armed forces". (ANA)
FA/ANA/15 May 2018--------
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