Turkish President Erdogan Calls for Israeli Officials to be Tried for War Crimes
In a scathing condemnation, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has labeled Israel a “terror state” and called for Israeli officials to be tried for war crimes. Erdogan’s comments come amidst the ongoing Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip and ahead of a sensitive visit to Germany.
Erdogan accused Israel of carrying out “the most treacherous attacks in human history” with “unlimited” support from the West. He called for Israeli leaders to be brought to trial at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, while reiterating that Turkey does not consider Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, a “terrorist organization” but a political party.
“I say clearly that Israel is a terror state,” Erdogan declared to members of his Justice and Development Party in parliament. He also criticized the United States and other Western allies for their support of Israel, referring to the situation as a “genocide.”
The Turkish leader also called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to disclose whether Israel possesses nuclear weapons and predicted that Netanyahu would soon be removed from his position.
In response, Netanyahu dismissed Erdogan’s criticisms, stating that he will not be “morally lectured” by the Turkish leader and accusing Erdogan of supporting “the terrorist state Hamas.”
Erdogan’s remarks come as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with health officials reporting more than 11,300 people killed, including over 4,000 children. Amidst the escalating tensions, Turkey has recalled its ambassador to Israel and suspended official contacts, while Israel has indicated that it is reassessing its relations with Ankara.
The Turkish president’s comments also come just before a planned meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has faced backlash over his decision to receive Erdogan. Scholz has expressed opposition to an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, aligning with the position of the US government and calling instead for “humanitarian pauses” in the conflict.
Erdogan’s sharp criticism of Israel and its allies underscores the continuing tensions and complex dynamics in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.