In a striking and controversial statement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has openly accused Israel of committing war crimes following a series of violent clashes and air strikes in the region.
During a party meeting in parliament, President Erdogan did not mince his words as he accused Israel of conducting one of the “bloodiest and most brutal” attacks on Palestinians since October 7.
His assertion starkly highlights the escalating tensions between Turkey and Israel, as well as the broader and increasingly complex geopolitics of the Middle East.
Defending Hamas
Erdogan firmly positioned himself against the Western consensus, which largely views Hamas as a terrorist organization. “Hamas is not a terrorist organisation,” Erdogan declared, “it is a group of liberators and mujahideen who are fighting to defend their land and their people.”
His comments stand in contrast to the meetings held by Western countries declaring Hamas a terrorist entity, further complicating Turkey’s diplomatic relations with the West.
The Turkish President did not hold back in his critique of Israel’s actions, accusing the nation of committing war crimes and calling their actions “inhumane.”
He highlighted the devastating impact of the Israeli air strikes on Gaza, pointing out that, according to health authorities in the region, approximately 2,500 children have been killed as a result.
Erdogan’s remarks amplify the call for accountability and bring attention to the urgent need for a reassessment of the situation on the ground.
In a significant move, Erdogan announced the cancellation of his plans to visit Israel, citing their “inhumane war” in Gaza as the primary reason.
This decision underscores the frosty relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv, which have been tense since the 2010 incident when Israeli forces attacked a Turkish ship carrying aid to Gaza, resulting in the death of 10 civilians.
