Istanbul, Mar. 18, (dpa/GNA) – Iran and Turkey have strongly condemned the renewed Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baghai, spoke of a wave of attacks “against the defenceless population of Gaza,” according to a ministry statement.

The attacks were carried out “in parallel with the ongoing blockade of food and medicine (…) and with the green light from the United States of America,” Baghai added.

Baghai called on the Arab and Islamic world to end their economic cooperation with Israel. He accused Israel of genocide, which has specific definitions in international law.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry for its part said that “the [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu government’s genocide policy has entered a new phase.”

“Israel defies humanity through its violations of international law and universal values,” the statement added.

Turkey called on the international community to take action against Israel to ensure a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

During the night, Israel’s army carried out massive airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. These were the most severe attacks since a fragile ceasefire came into force about two months ago.

Netanyahu’s office said he and Defence Minister Israel Katz had ordered the military to take “strong action” against Hamas following the group’s repeated refusal to release Israeli hostages or accept ceasefire proposals put forward by mediators.

GNA