Erdogan to Israel: "We May Suddenly Knock On Your Door One Night"
In a powerful declaration, Erdoğan reiterated that Hamas is not a terrorist organization.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan speaks at the Big Palestine Meeting in Istanbul on October 28, 2023. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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urkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressing a massive pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul on Saturday, October 28, denounced Israel’s role in the ongoing bombardment in Gaza. He stated that Turkey would introduce Israel to the world as a war criminal.
The “Great Palestine Meeting,” organized by Turkey’s governing Justice and Development (AK) Party, saw hundreds of thousands gather at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport to protest Israel’s continuous bombardment of the Gaza Strip and advocate for a ceasefire.
Erdoğan emphasized that the Western world has been instrumental in legitimizing the massacre in Gaza, stating, “Israel is committing war crimes.” He also referred to Israel as an “occupier” and underscored Turkey’s independent stance by remarking, “West owes you, but Turkey does not owe you.”
In a powerful declaration, Erdoğan reiterated that Hamas is not a terrorist organization and that Israel’s main grievance lies with the West, which he accuses of being the real instigator behind the devastation in Gaza.
President Erdoğan said: ‘We are on the side of the oppressed’ and rebuked Israel. During his speech, which caused an outcry among the public, Erdoğan said: “From now on, we will continue on our path with the motto that we may suddenly knock on your door one night.”
A sea of flags
The pro-Palestinian rally also featured demonstrators chanting slogans in support of Palestine, waving both Turkish and Palestinian flags. Alongside the vast public turnout, leaders from various political parties, media, and sports figures marked their presence.
Erdoğan was unwavering in his address, placing blame on Western powers as “the main culprit” behind Israel’s actions.
Following Erdoğan’s statement, Eli Cohen, Israel’s Foreign Minister, said diplomats in Turkey have been ordered to return so Israel “to reassess Israel-Turkey relations.”
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes have resulted in the death of at least 7,703 Palestinians since October 7, with a significant number being civilians, including children.
As global concerns grow, other parts of the world are echoing calls for peace. In London, thousands took to the streets demanding the UK government call for a ceasefire.
Global concerns
In Berlin, authorities cracked down on pro-Palestinian rallies, resulting in arrests and confrontations between the police and the demonstrators.
The international community remains divided on the issue, with nations calling for a ceasefire while others push for humanitarian pauses, emphasizing the need to provide aid to the affected people in Gaza. The ongoing conflict underscores the urgency for diplomatic intervention and a sustainable resolution to ensure peace in the region.
Sources: AA and Aljazeera
