Turkey condemns Israeli attack on Palestinian protesters

ANKARA

Turkey has condemned the Israeli intervention against protesters at the Gaza Strip, which led to the death of 29 people, including Palestinian journalist Yaser Murtaja, who was wearing body armor clearly marked “Press.”

“We strongly condemn the attacks on peaceful protests that have taken place since March 30 in Israel, causing 29 innocent people, including journalist Yaser Murtaja, to lose their lives and injuring thousands of others,” the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement on April 9.

“We expect the international community to take a common stance against Israel, which disregards international law and does not hesitate to target even journalists with its aggressive attitude,” added the statement.

Murtaja died from a gunshot wound he sustained while filming on April 6 in an area engulfed in thick black smoke from protesters setting tires on fire.

Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since a 2007 takeover and calls for Israel’s destruction, has called for a series of protests until May 15, the anniversary of Israel’s founding when Palestinians commemorate their mass uprooting during the 1948 war over Israel’s creation.