Türkiye has been an increasingly vocal critic of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which was triggered after Hamas militants staged an Oct 7 attack into Israel which killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to the most recent Israeli figures.
Israel’s relentless campaign in response has killed more than 11,000 people, also mostly civilians, according to the latest figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
In another speech in Istanbul on Sunday, Erdogan vented fury at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in comments broadcast live on Turkish television.
“Hey Netanyahu, these are your good days, more different days are awaiting you … Netanyahu you should know that you’re leaving,” Erdogan said, after previously labelling the Israeli leader “no longer someone we can talk to”.
GERMANY VISIT
Erdogan will meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz next week.
Türkiye is technically a candidate for eventual EU membership and, even if this seems a distant prospect, Erdogan’s portrayal of Hamas militants as “liberators” – which differs sharply from the bloc’s – has caused unease.
It also stands in stark contrast to the position taken by Berlin, the EU’s most populous member.
In its annual report on candidate countries’ progress published this week, the EU said Türkiye’s “rhetoric in support of terrorist group Hamas following its attacks against Israel … is in complete disagreement with the EU approach”.
“The European Union thinks exactly the same as Israel regarding Hamas,” Erdogan said on the plane.
“I see Hamas as a political party that won the elections in Palestine. I don’t look at it the same way they do,” he added.
Erdogan repeated his call for an international conference to resolve the conflict.
“Nothing can serve peace more than a meeting of all regional actors including warring sides,” he said.
Source: CNA
