Türkiye will step up diplomatic efforts for the release of hostages and establishment of a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

In an address to the parliamentary group of his Justice and Development (AK) Party, Erdogan said that recent statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government were diminishing hopes for the current humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip turning into a lasting cease-fire, he added.

On Türkiye's humanitarian aid to Gaza, Erdogan said a second relief ship carrying 1,500 tons of humanitarian aid materials would set sail later on Wednesday.