Turkey pledges more aid to war-torn Gaza

In a one-on-one meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Babacan stressed the importance Turkey attached to the reconstruction of Gaza and reminded Abbas about the various campaigns in Turkey to support Palestine. "We are in touch with all groups," Babacan said. "We support Egypt's efforts in eradicating differences between Palestinian groups. Resolving the Palestinian issue requires the Arab countries to act as one."

The meeting was held in the Egyptian city of Sharm el Sheikh within the framework of a conference held in support of the reconstruction of Gaza. Abbas briefed Babacan on the meetings of Palestinian groups in Egypt. "We are working on a road map and a solution based on two states," Abbas said.

$50 million donation

After the high-level meeting, Babacan delivered a speech to donors at the Conference in Support of the Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruction of Gaza. "We have witnessed a humanitarian tragedy in Gaza," said Babacan, who pledged that Turkey would donate $50 million in additional assistance. "Border gates should be opened and the siege should be ended. It is time to heal the wounds."