Erdogan: Israel’s hands are ‘stained with the blood of innocents’

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sharply criticised Israel, accusing its leadership of committing atrocities in Gaza and dismissing what he described as Israeli accusations against Turkey.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Erdogan said Ankara would not respond to what he called Israeli “fabrications” targeting Turkey.

“We pay no attention whatsoever to the fabrications concerning our country by the criminal network whose hands are stained with the blood of 75,000 innocent Palestinians in Gaza, most of them children and women,” Erdogan said.

He contrasted Israel’s actions with what he described as Turkey’s historical record.

“In our glorious history spanning thousands of years, there is only justice, mercy and extending a helping hand to all the oppressed, regardless of their religion, origins or identity,” he said.

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Erdogan also referred to Turkey’s role in providing refuge to people fleeing Nazi persecution during the Second World War, saying the country’s historical record was well known to those criticising Ankara.

The Turkish president has repeatedly accused Israel of committing crimes against Palestinians during the war in Gaza and has been one of the region’s most outspoken critics of Israeli military operations.

Earlier this month, Erdogan said lasting peace in the Middle East would be achieved “despite Israel,” arguing that some actors in the region do not want the fighting to end.

Addressing lawmakers from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on June 24, Erdogan said Turkey’s regional and international influence had grown significantly in recent years.

He said Ankara was responding to changes in the global order through what he described as prudent policies based on a realistic assessment of the country’s capabilities.

Erdogan added that Turkey would continue working to promote regional stability and support efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

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