TEHRAN, Oct. 19 (MNA) – The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler discussed the latest developments in Gaza over the phone.

According to a statement issued by the Turkish Ministry, parties also discussed and consulted on bilateral and regional defense and security issues, especially the latest developments in the region.

Following the escalation of the Zionist regime's crimes against the oppressed people of Gaza, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri held a telephone conversation with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Qatari Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah on Thursday.

The continuation of the Zionist regime’s crimes could lead to the entry of other actors into the arena, Bagheri told Russia's Defence Minister over the phone.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltration into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

Ministry of Health in Gaza says the number of martyrs fallen in the aggression on Gaza surpassed 3,785, with at least 13,000 injured.
A medical source has told Al Jazeera that 121 people have been killed and 540 injured in the Gaza Strip since yesterday evening.

The Israeli army says at least 306 of its soldiers have died since Hamas’s attack in Israel on October 7.

Overall, at least 1,403 Israelis have been killed since the war started and about 4,629 injured.

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