Speaking at a joint news conference with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on Tuesday, Erdogan criticized US plans to send an aircraft carrier to the region, saying the deployment could lead to “massacres.”

“What is the US aircraft carrier doing in Israel? What is it coming to do? It will take down Gaza by striking the surrounding areas and start committing serious massacres,” he said.

The Turkish leader reiterated his offer to mediate between the sides and said he would continue his efforts to end the war.

He also would hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres later on Tuesday.