Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has intensified his criticism of Israel and its allies, calling for Israeli officials to be tried for war crimes. Erdogan referred to Israel as a “terror state” and accused it of carrying out “treacherous attacks” in Gaza with the support of the West. He also reiterated Turkey’s stance that Hamas is not a terrorist organization, but a political party.
Erdogan called for Israeli leaders to be brought to trial at the International Court of Justice and accused the United States and other Western allies of legitimizing the “genocide” in Gaza. He also demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclose whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons.
In response, Netanyahu dismissed Erdogan’s criticism, stating that he will not be lectured by the Turkish leader, who supports “the terrorist state Hamas.” The Turkish leader’s comments come as tensions between Turkey and Israel have reached a breaking point, with both countries recalling their ambassadors and suspending official contacts.
Erdogan’s remarks were made ahead of a scheduled meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has faced criticism for agreeing to meet with the Turkish leader. Germany has backed Israel and opposed calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, aligning its position with that of the United States.