Turkey has reinforced its commitment to block NATO cooperation with Israel until a “permanent cease-fire” is established in Gaza, amid growing tensions and accusations over the humanitarian situation in the region.
Earlier this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel of severe human rights violations against Palestinians during its military operations in the Gaza Strip. He condemned the attacks on hospitals, ambulances, marketplaces, and humanitarian aid centers as egregious human rights violations. Erdoğan also criticized Western nations for supplying Israel with weaponry, implying they were complicit in these actions.
Erdoğan declared at a NATO summit in Washington that Turkey would not approve any cooperation with Israel within NATO until comprehensive peace is achieved in Palestine.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a sharp rebuke on social media, criticizing Turkey’s support for Hamas and questioning its membership in NATO. The Turkish foreign ministry retaliated, accusing Katz of disrespect and slander, and blaming the Israeli government for prolonging its power through the deaths of innocent Palestinians and regional instability.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with official estimates indicating over 38,345 deaths in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began in October last year. This followed Hamas’ deadly attacks on October 7, which killed 1,139 people. The UN Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further suffering and ensure humanitarian aid access, amid warnings of imminent famine.
President Erdoğan, a vocal advocate for Palestinians, reiterated his support by meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in April. He emphasized unity and integrity as the strongest response to Israel.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for an end to the violence, highlighting the dire situation in Gaza where Palestinians are forced to move across a landscape of destruction and death, with nowhere safe from potential attacks.
