Israel offers aid to earthquake-struck Syria and Turkey

Turkey earthquake: "I ordered to send, at the request of the Turkish government, rescue teams and medical aid," Netanyahu said.

Israel is prepared to extend its aid to earthquake-struck Turkey to Syrian victims as well, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, in a rare overture to the enemy Arab state.

People gather as rescuers search for survivors under the rubble, following an earthquake, in rebel-held town of Jandaris, Syria. (REUTERS)

Read here: Turkey earthquake: From Russia to Israel, global powers extend aid

"I ordered to send, at the request of the Turkish government, rescue teams and medical aid," Netanyahu said at a ceremony in a hospital near Tel Aviv. "Since a request was also received to do this for many victims of the earthquake in Syria, I instructed to do this as well," he said.

Netanyahu did not elaborate on who had made the request regarding Syria.