"US and Turkey Hold Crucial Talks on Israel-Gaza Crisis"

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara to discuss the Israel-Hamas war, but was snubbed by President Erdogan. Blinken's mission to ease tensions in the region has faced limited support, with Israel rejecting a pause to the fighting and Arab and Muslim nations calling for an immediate ceasefire. Turkey, a US ally, has been critical of Israel's actions and has demanded a mutual prisoner release and an unconditional ceasefire. Public anger towards the US and Turkey's frustration with delayed approval for a fighter jet deal and US support for Kurdish fighters in Syria have added to the strained relationship. Erdogan has positioned Turkey as a broker for peace and is working towards a humanitarian ceasefire and an international peace conference.