Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent a condolence message to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, following yesterday's (Saturday) attack in Istanbul.
The message read:
Mr. President,
I was greatly saddened to learn that unfortunately, 3 Israeli citizens also lost their lives and 10 Israeli citizens were wounded at the ignoble terror attack which happened yesterday in Istanbul.
With yesterday's heinous attack, it has again been seen most clearly that it is an absolute necessity for the international community to conduct a joint, united and determined fight against terrorism, which targets the whole of humanity and fundamental human values and constitutes a crime against humanity.
The courage and will displayed by our people against the actions of terrorist organisations which aim to instil fear, give us strength in this struggle.
I would like to convey my deepest condolences to the people of Israel and to the families of Israeli citizens who lost their lives in this treacherous attack which happened in Istanbul, where they were visiting our country to get better acquainted with our culture, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
The President
Last night, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu sent his own condolence message to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
The attack left three Israelis dead and four wounded.