I
n the midst of genocide taking place in Gaza by Israel, Turkey rebuffs claims of military collaboration with Israel, an assertion vehemently criticized by Ankara for the violence inflicted upon innocent Palestinians.
Turkey’s Defense Ministry swiftly dismissed allegations of any cooperation with Israel, particularly in the defense sector, emphasizing the nation’s unwavering support for Palestine.
“It is not possible for the Republic of Turkey, which has always supported Palestine, to engage in any activities that would harm the Palestinians,” stated the ministry on Tuesday.
“The National Defense Ministry has no dealings with Israel, including military training, exercises, or defense industry collaboration.”
The statement comes in response to reports circulating in certain media outlets suggesting Turkey’s continued export of firearms, weapons, and ammunition to Israel.
Separately, Turkey’s Presidency Directorate of Communications Center for Countering Disinformation refuted these claims after scrutinizing several social media posts.
“The products listed in the alleged export list’s 93rd chapter do not pertain to war weapons and ammunition, but rather include ungrooved rifle spare parts, accessories, and fishing equipment used for individual purposes such as sports and hunting,” the center affirmed.
“Additionally, the products exported under the heading ‘Gunpowder and explosives, pyrotechnic products, matches, pyrophoric alloys, combustible preparations’ in the 36th chapter of the export list were ‘gel fuel and lighter fluid.'”
Ankara has long advocated for a two-state solution, championing an independent Palestine even before the latest genocide in Palestine. This time, Turkey has intensified its criticism of the United States for its overt support of what President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has labeled as “war crimes” committed by the Netanyahu administration against innocent Palestinians.
Instead, Turkey has collaborated with Egypt, which hosts the only feasible land crossing with Gaza for delivering aid. Since the onset of the Gaza genocide, Turkey has dispatched thousands of tons of aid to Egypt for further delivery to Gaza, employing military planes or vessels for transportation. Turkish charities have also organized nationwide campaigns to collect donations for the people of Gaza.
The Israeli military offensive on the Palestinian territory, initiated following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, has resulted in a staggering loss of life and widespread destruction. Despite international calls for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has persisted in its military campaign.
As the genocide continues unabated, Gaza’s civilian population faces dire circumstances, with the majority displaced internally and essential resources in critically short supply. The situation has drawn condemnation from international bodies, with Israel facing accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
Amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Turkey has also been subjected to false claims and disinformation campaigns, including allegations of providing military equipment to Israel. However, Turkey has remained resolute in its stance in support of Palestine and has shelved plans for normalization with Israel in light of the recent hostilities.
Source: Daily Sabah
Stay informed by subscribing to
our weekly newsletter.
