Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan expressed frustration on Sunday, criticizing the United States and European countries for what he perceived as insufficient pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. This came after the Palestinian militant group Hamas accepted a truce proposal.
Turkey has vehemently opposed Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and condemning what it sees as unwavering support for Israel from Western nations.
Erdogan announced a cessation of all trade with Israel and declared Turkey’s decision to join South Africa’s initiative to pursue charges against Israel for genocide at the International Court of Justice.
Addressing Muslim scholars in Istanbul, Erdogan highlighted Hamas’ acceptance of a ceasefire proposal by Qatar and Egypt as a positive step, contrasting it with what he characterized as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reluctance to end the conflict.
He criticized the Israeli government’s response, particularly its targeting of civilians in Rafah, Gaza, and questioned the lack of significant reaction from Europe and America to compel Israel to accept a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Erdogan’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin engaged in discussions with Hamas leaders in Doha regarding ceasefire negotiations and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to a Turkish security source.
As scrutiny of Israel’s military actions in Gaza intensified, Ankara welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s endorsement of a Palestinian bid for full U.N. membership.
Erdogan called for countries not recognizing Palestinian sovereignty to do so post-vote while condemning those, including Washington, who opposed the move.
He denounced the discrepancy in international responses, citing Gaza’s casualty figures and criticizing the suppression of pro-Palestine demonstrations.
