Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan exerted diplomatic pressure, backed by other regional leaders, to block Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from attending the Gaza summit in Egypt, according to a report by AFP, citing diplomatic sources.
Netanyahu had been scheduled to join global leaders at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit on Monday, where discussions were expected to centre on efforts to halt the Gaza conflict. But his office abruptly withdrew his participation just 40 minutes after the Egyptian presidency had confirmed his attendance.
Citing Turkish diplomatic sources, AFP reported that Erdogan led the lobbying to exclude Netanyahu.
“At the initiative of President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan and through Turkey’s diplomatic efforts — with the support of other leaders — Netanyahu did not attend the meeting in Egypt," one source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Turkish media further reported that Erdogan, while en route to Egypt, refused to land until assured that Netanyahu would not be present. His aircraft allegedly circled above the Red Sea until confirmation arrived.
Netanyahu’s office explained that his absence was due to the Jewish holiday of Simhat Torah, which began at sundown on Monday. However, diplomats and regional media suggested that mounting opposition from regional powers played a key role in the decision.
The summit, co-chaired by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, seeks to advance a formal declaration to end hostilities in Gaza.
Iraq also opposed Netanyahu’s attendance. Ali al-Mousawi, adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani, told AFP that Baghdad had made its position clear.
“Iraq has taken a clear position on this matter and has informed the Egyptians of its rejection, and a number of other delegations have announced their intention to withdraw if Netanyahu participates," said al-Mousawi.
He added that Egyptian officials subsequently informed Netanyahu that he “could not be received”, prompting the cancellation of his trip.
(With AFP inputs)
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