Erdogan urges Pope Francis to help end Israel's 'massacre' of Palestinians

Erdogan told the pope that 'Palestinians will continue to be subjected to a massacre unless the international community punishes Israel'

Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Credit: Reuters file photo

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday urged Pope Francis to help end what he called Israel's "massacre" of Palestinians, which should be punished with sanctions, his office said.

Erdogan told the pope in a call that "Palestinians will continue to be subjected to a massacre unless the international community punishes Israel... with sanctions", adding that the pope's messages were of "great importance to mobilise the Christian world and the international community."