"With the savagery of bombing the civilians it forced out of their homes while they are relocating, it is literally employing state terrorism," Erdogan said. "I am now saying, with my heart at ease, that Israel is a terror state."
In a parliamentary address on Wednesday, Nov. 15, he called for Israeli leaders to be prosecuted for war crimes at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Erdogan reiterated Turkey's position that Hamas is not a "terrorist organization" but a political party that won the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections. He expressed strong disapproval for those supporting and legitimizing Israeli actions, singling out the United States and other Western allies.
In a pointed remark, Erdogan urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to disclose whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons, suggesting that Netanyahu's departure from office is imminent.
Erdogan also announced that Ankara would take measures to categorize Israeli settlers in occupied Palestinian territories as "terrorists."
Netanyahu swiftly rejected Erdogan's comments, asserting that he won't accept moral lectures from the Turkish leader and accusing Erdogan of backing "the terrorist state Hamas."
The exchange has further strained relations between Turkey and Israel, with both nations recalling their ambassadors and suspending official contacts.
These developments transpire just days before Erdogan's scheduled meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has faced criticism for hosting the Turkish president.
Germany, historically supportive of Israel, has aligned itself with the United States in not advocating for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza. Scholz emphasized the need for "humanitarian pauses" instead.
Meanwhile, the entry of Israeli troops into the Shifa hospital complex in Gaza has drawn an unprecedented wave of international condemnation. (Related: Israel lays siege to Gaza’s largest hospital, claims it houses Hamas' HQ.)
The global condemnation from Arab and Western governments raises questions about the sustainability of Israel's offensive amid declining international support.
The United States distanced itself from the military takeover of the hospital, emphasizing that it had not authorized the Israeli decision.
UN describes Gaza situation as carnage
The United Nations (UN) described the situation in Gaza as carnage, prompting Israel to announce that it would allow an unlimited number of aid convoys through the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border, addressing previous limitations.
The crisis surrounding the hospital takeover led to a breakthrough at the UN, where the Security Council passed a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in the fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants.
The resolution emphasizes the situation of children and calls on all parties to respect their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians.
Global leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron, expressed strong condemnation of civilian bombings, urging respect for international law and humanitarian principles.
The crisis puts Israel under pressure to provide evidence supporting its claim that the hospital basement was used as a Hamas headquarters.
As tensions rise, Israel faces challenges in maintaining its narrative in some countries. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates eroding US public support for Israel's war, with a majority favoring a ceasefire.
Concerns from the UN, aid agencies and global leaders highlight the humanitarian impact of the hospital raid, further intensifying international scrutiny.
Despite Israel's approval for a UN fuel shipment into Gaza, shortages continue to hamper relief efforts.
The delivery, representing only nine percent of daily needs for life-saving activities, underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Watch Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan call Israel a "terror state."
This video is from the Contrarian channel on Brighteon.com.
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Israel to consider civilians 'terrorist accomplices' if they stay in North Gaza.
Israel admits willingness to inflict “mass civilian casualties” in Gaza – GENOCIDE is the endgame.
Israel agrees to 4-hour daily pauses in Gaza fighting to allow civilians to flee.
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