Erdogan claims Turkey has 'severed all ties' with Israel
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey says his government has cut all ties with Israel amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the regime’s deadly war on Lebanon.
"The government of the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Tayyip Erdogan, will not continue or develop relations with Israel," Erdogan stated on Wednesday aboard his plane following visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
"[Our ruling coalition] is resolute in its decision to cut ties with Israel, and we will maintain this stance in the future as well," he said.
“We, as the Republic of Turkey and its government, have currently severed all relations with Israel," he added.
Erdogan emphasized that Turkey has given the strongest response to Israel's actions in Palestine, according to the Anadolu agency.
He vowed to do everything in his power to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable for the genocide.
Erdogan expressed concern about the ongoing arms shipments to Israel, stating, "As long as arms shipments continue, Israel will be more aggressive, every day that Israel is not stopped, situation in Palestine and Lebanon worsens."
‘Messages from Trump concerning’
Regarding the incoming U.S. administration, Erdogan expressed cautious hope for a different approach to Middle East policy under President-elect Donald Trump.
However, he said that some of the messages coming from his side were “concerning”.
"It seems too early to me to make observations about this," Erdogan told reporters. "Our hope is that Trump takes very different steps toward the region this term because the messages being given from time to time concern us."
Turkish-Israeli relations have significantly worsened since October 7 last year, when the Gaza genocide started.
But Turkey has often faced criticism for not taking more impactful measures against Israel, including a complete severance of ties.
In May, Turkey cut trade with Israel, citing the situation in Gaza.
The country recalled its ambassador to Israel last year, but its diplomatic mission in Tel Aviv has remained open.
Israel evacuated its embassy in Ankara last year, citing regional security concerns.
Earlier this year, Turkey intervened in a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in support of Palestine and advocated for an arms embargo against Tel Aviv.
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