Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations accused Turkey of “wickedness” on Monday after Ankara sent a letter signed by 52 countries demanding an end to arms supplies to Israel over the Gaza war.

“What more can be expected from a country whose actions are driven by malice in trying to create conflict with the support of ‘Axis of Evil’ countries,” said Ambassador Danny Danon, using a pejorative term to describe Arab countries that have signed the letter.

Turkey’s foreign ministry said on Sunday it had forwarded the letter to the United Nations, with signatories including the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Turkey letter, seen by AFP On Monday, he called the “staggering” number of civilian deaths “unthinkable and intolerable”.

“Therefore, we make this collective call for immediate action to stop the supply or transfer of arms, ammunition and related equipment to Israel, the Occupying Power, in all cases where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they may be used in the Palestinian Territory busy,” the letter said.

It added that the UN Security Council (UNSC) must take action to ensure compliance with its resolutions “which are being flagrantly violated”.