Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan increased his criticism of Israel on Wednesday, calling it a “terrorist state” intent on destroying Gaza along with all of its residents. In a fiery speech to members of his party, Erdogan also said his country would take steps to ensure that Israel’s political and military leaders are brought to trial in international courts.
Quick Read
- Erdogan’s Condemnation of Israel: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan intensified his criticism of Israel, labeling it a “terrorist state” and accusing it of seeking to completely destroy Gaza and its inhabitants. He announced intentions to initiate international legal action against Israeli political and military leaders.
- Erdogan’s Support for Hamas: Erdogan referred to Hamas militants as “resistance fighters” defending their land and people. This characterization comes amidst the recent normalization of relations between Turkey and Israel, which is now strained due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
- Diplomatic Strains Between Turkey and Israel: Following Erdogan’s harsh criticism and accusations of war crimes against Israel, both countries have recalled their diplomats, signaling a downturn in their recently normalized relations.
- Refugee Crisis in Southern Gaza: In southern Gaza, refugees from the northern part of the strip face continuous airstrikes. These individuals, including families and children, are seeking safety amid ongoing bombardment, leading to chaotic and dangerous conditions on the ground.
- Norwegian Citizens in Gaza: Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed relief as the first group of Norwegian citizens was allowed to leave Gaza for Egypt. The Norwegian government described the situation in Gaza as a humanitarian disaster, emphasizing the urgent need for the cessation of hostilities and the provision of aid. Approximately 270 people with ties to Norway, including about half children, are reported to be in Gaza.
The Associated Press has the story:
Erdogan increases criticism of Israel as refugees in Southern Gaza face continual airstrikes
Newslooks- ANKARA, Turkey, KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan increased his criticism of Israel on Wednesday, calling it a “terrorist state” intent on destroying Gaza along with all of its residents.
In a fiery speech to members of his party, Erdogan also said his country would take steps to ensure that Israel’s political and military leaders are brought to trial in international courts.
“Israel is implementing a strategy of total destruction of a city and its people,” Erdogan said. “I say openly that Israel is a terrorist state.”
The Turkish leader described Hamas militants as “resistance fighters” trying to protect their lands and people.
Turkey recently normalized relations with Israel but its war with Hamas in Gaza has again strained their ties. Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey last month after Erdogan accused Israel of committing war crimes. Turkey later also recalled its ambassador from Israel.
REFUGEES IN SOUTHERN GAZA FACE CONTINUAL AIRSTRIKES
A rainbow appeared in the sky over southern Gaza on Wednesday as residents, many of them refugees from the northern part of the strip, struggled for survival amid round-the-clock airstrikes. Residents in cars and on bicycles and makeshift carts pulled by donkeys weaved their way through the city’s roads, littered with rubble from the bombardment.
Egyptian Mohammad al-Abdallah has been trying to leave Gaza since the bombing started. “They asked us to come from the north. And when we arrived, we stayed in an apartment here, and we were bombed. Do they want us to die? This is enough,” he said.
FIRST NORWEGIAN CITIZENS ARE ALLOWED TO LEAVE GAZA
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Wednesday he was very happy that the first Norwegian citizens have arrived on the Egyptian side of the border with Gaza.
Norway had been informed that 51 Norwegians could leave Gaza via the border crossing at Rafah.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said, “there are no safe places in Gaza, and everyone who is there is exposed to traumatic experiences.”
Barth Eide said the situation in Gaza was “a humanitarian disaster, which also affects Norwegian citizens. The acts of war must stop and humanitarian aid must be allowed in.”
According to Norwegian news agency NTB, there are about 270 people with ties to Norway in Gaza with approximately half of them children.
