Turkey denounces Israel\'s decision over Hebron monitoring

Turkey denounces Israel's decision over Hebron monitoring

AFP  |  Istanbul 

has "strongly" condemned Israel's decision not to renew the mandate of an international monitoring group in the occupied city of

"We strongly condemn Israel's unilateral termination of the mandate of the 'Temporary International Presence in Hebron' (TIPH) ... and expect this political decision to be reversed," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement late on Friday.

The Temporary International Presence in (TIPH) was established after a massacre of Palestinians in 1994.

Israeli said Monday he would not extend its mandate, accusing it of bias.

Ankara, however, dismissed the Israeli claim.

"We decisively reject the allegation that the TIPH has been working against Israel, which is presented by as a justification for its decision."

has observers in the Norway-led team tasked with promoting security for Palestinians in Hebron, which is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Palestinian and European officials have also expressed concern and regret over the Israeli decision.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sat, February 02 2019. 14:10 IST