Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan expressed on Wednesday his view that Israel’s blockade and airstrikes in response to the Hamas attack in Gaza amounted to a “massacre” and were disproportionate.

In an effort to mediate, Ankara extended its offer, and President Erdogan, along with his Foreign Minister, engaged in discussions with regional powers, including the United States, among others.

Nevertheless, Israel’s ambassador to Ankara has indicated that it is premature to consider mediation, Business Recorder reported.

Addressing the members of his ruling AK Party in parliament, President Erdogan asserted that even in times of war, there is a sense of “morality.”

He emphasized that the recent escalation since the weekend had flagrantly violated this moral principle.

“Preventing people meeting their most fundamental needs and bombing housing where civilians live – in short, conducting a conflict using every sort of shameful method – is not a war, it’s a massacre,” he said, 

Turkey, which has historically supported the Palestinian cause and provided refuge to members of Hamas, has been actively pursuing the restoration of diplomatic relations with Israel following years of strained ties.

In contrast to the European Union and the United States, Ankara does not categorize Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Written by staff