Today: 28 May 2025
15 November 2023
2 mins read

Erdogan Supports Hamas, Labels Israel as ‘Terrorist’

The Turkish leader also describes Hamas terrorists as “resistance fighters” trying to protect their lands and people…reports Asian Lite News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan increased his criticism of Israel, calling it a “terrorist state” and claiming it is intent on destroying Gaza along with all of its residents.

In a fiery speech to members of his party, Erdogan also says his country will take steps to ensure that Israel’s political and military leaders are brought to trial in international courts, The Times of Israel reported.

“Israel is implementing a strategy of total destruction of a city and its people,” Erdogan says.

“I say openly that Israel is a terrorist state.”

The Turkish leader also describes Hamas terrorists as “resistance fighters” trying to protect their lands and people.

Erdogan made the comments days before he is set to depart on an official visit to Berlin. 

On Tuesday, German Chancellor said Erdogan’s accusations of fascism against Israel were “absurd”.

Erdogan has been an increasingly vocal critic of Israel’s war against Hamas, which was launched after the terror group carried out a murderous rampage across southern Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Israel was a long-time regional ally of Turkey before Erdogan came to power, but ties imploded after a 2010 Israeli commando raid on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara ship, part of a blockade-busting flotilla, that left dead 10 Turkish activists who attacked IDF soldiers aboard the ship.

Netanyahu and Erdogan repeatedly aimed brickbats at each other in the ensuing years, including mutual charges of genocide. In July 2014, Erdogan accused the Jewish state of “keeping Hitler’s spirit alive” during a war with Gaza.

Ties later saw a moderate improvement, but both countries withdrew their ambassadors in 2018 amid violence in Gaza and the Trump administration’s relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem.

Facing hardening diplomatic isolation and economic woes, Erdogan began to publicly display an openness toward rapprochement in December 2020.

In August of last year, Israel and Turkey announced a full renewal of diplomatic ties. Earlier this month, Ankara said it was recalling its ambassador to Israel for consultations due to Israel’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza.

ALSO READ: ‘March for Israel’ in DC Against Antisemitism

Previous Story

‘March for Israel’ in DC Against Antisemitism

Next Story

Republican-Led Hindu Caucus Emerges as New Voice for Hindu Americans

Latest from -Top News

Islamabad-Ankara-Baku Axis Sharpens Against India

Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly expressed solidarity with Pakistan and backed Islamabad in its military standoff with India, this month….reports Asian Lite News The evolving alliance between Islamabad, Ankara, and Baku

India Targets Pak Terror Ties in Guyana

The delegation met the Guyanese President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who had hosted a dinner to celebrate friendship and shared aspirations between the two nations…reports Asian Lite News Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, currently

Qatar Stands With India on Terror

Khulaifi conveyed Qatar’s solidarity with India and its policy of zero tolerance against terrorism for regional stability…reports Asian Lite News Qatar’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi expressed

Ramaphosa gains from US showdown

South African President’s conduct with Trump reminded South Africans of his diplomatic pedigree, and of his importance to the country’s rules-based order South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation went to
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Indian Embassy Pays Tribute to Fallen Colonel in Gaza

Kale (46) died while travelling in a vehicle to a

Jordan condemns Israeli court decision allowing ‘extremists’ to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Jordan has condemned an Israeli court decision allowing “extremists” to