Erdogan and Israeli foreign minister clash over Gaza, Iran, and Cyprus

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar exchanged sharp words on Wednesday, accusing each other of hypocrisy and aggression in a heated dispute over Gaza, Iran, and Cyprus.

The row was sparked by Erdogan’s address to lawmakers from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), during which he condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza. He accused Israeli forces of “raining bullets and bombs on innocent people gathered at aid distribution points” and “brutally killing hundreds suffering from hunger.”

Drawing a controversial comparison, Erdogan said, “Believe me, the most horrific photographs and videos from the Second World War look very innocent next to the images coming from Gaza. Netanyahu has long surpassed the cruel Hitler in the crime of genocide.”

He added, “We hope their fate is not the same,” referring to historical perpetrators of genocide, and expressed hope that “sooner or later, [Netanyahu] will appear before an independent international court and be held accountable for the murders and massacres he has committed.”

Turning to Iran, Erdogan criticized recent Israeli strikes and alleged assassinations, calling them further evidence of what he described as Israel’s “state terrorism.”

“Israel has extended its banditry by targeting locations in Iran and organizing assassinations. It is entirely natural, legitimate, and lawful for Iran to defend itself against such aggression,” he stated.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar responded via social media, branding Erdogan’s comments as “yet another inflammatory speech” and accusing him of inciting hatred against Israel and its leadership.

“Erdogan, who holds a record in suppressing civil rights, silencing opposition, and curbing freedoms in his own country, dares to lecture others,” Sa’ar wrote.

He also criticized Turkey’s regional conduct: “It is particularly ironic that someone who openly pursues imperial ambitions, invaded northern Syria, and illegally occupies northern Cyprus, now claims to stand for morality and international law. A bit of self-awareness would go a long way.”

The Turkish Foreign Ministry swiftly countered Sa’ar’s remarks, calling them “baseless slander and vile lies” against both Turkey and its president.

“The Israeli foreign minister’s need to respond so urgently to President Erdogan’s remarks only confirms their accuracy,” the ministry stated.

It concluded by reaffirming Turkey’s stance that “Netanyahu and his accomplices must be held accountable,” echoing Erdogan’s call for a fair and independent trial of Israeli officials.