In a statement last week posted on his social media channels, Obama expressed concern that Israel’s countermeasures, which included restricting access to essential supplies in Gaza and resulted in civilian casualties, might be counterproductive. Obama suggested that such actions could entrench negative perceptions among Palestinians towards Israel, diminish global support for the country, and potentially hinder efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Monday on the final stop of his whirlwind diplomatic trip across the Middle East amid the escalating war in Gaza.

The top US diplomat will discuss the humanitarian situation in the enclave with Firdan and the need to prevent the conflict from widening, according to a State Department note.

Blinken “will underscore the importance of protecting civilian lives in Israel and the Gaza Strip,” while also stating the “commitment to facilitating the increased, sustained delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza,” it said.

He is not expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them “crimes against humanity.”

Erdogan said Saturday he was cutting off communications with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Turkey hosts some of Hamas’ leadership and Blinken has repeatedly said that things cannot go back to the “status quo” with the militant group following its October 7 attack on Israel.