Erdogan criticizes Israel of exploiting regional conflicts to advance 'own territorial ambitions'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sharply criticized Israel, accusing the country of exploiting regional conflicts to legitimize its policies of "occupation and expansion" in Palestinian territories.

Speaking at a ruling AK Party event in Istanbul, Erdogan claimed that conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Iran are being used as mere pretexts by Israel to justify its actions.

Erdogan's comments come in the context of heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly following nearly a year of intensified bombing by Israel over Gaza.

“The Israeli government finds new justifications daily to legitimize its occupation and invasion policies,” Erdogan said.

He also emphasized that Turkey remains firm in its support for Palestinians, calling for international action to address what he described as Israel’s continuous violations.

Erdogan accused Western nations of remaining silent on Israel’s policies due to their historical guilt over the Holocaust. He urged Israel’s unconditional supporters in the West to reassess their positions and adopt a more rational approach to Middle Eastern diplomacy.

“The fire ignited by the bloodthirsty Israeli government will not only consume this region but will also reach you,” Erdogan warned.

The Turkish president reiterated that Turkey is the only nation to have imposed economic sanctions on Israel and called on the broader Islamic world to follow suit.

He stressed that taking economic and commercial measures against Israeli aggression is not just a choice but a moral obligation.

Erdogan highlighted the resilience of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, against Israeli military actions.

Referring to Israel’s offensive that began nearly a year ago on October 7, 2023, Erdogan praised the "heroic" resistance of Gaza's people despite the hardship they have endured.

He stressed that Turkey would continue to support Gaza by all possible means, reaffirming the country’s steadfast opposition to Israeli policies.

“We stand firmly in the same place today as we did from the first day,” Erdogan said, underscoring Turkey’s long-held stance.

He added that Turkey’s message to the international community at forums like the United Nations remains consistent with its domestic rhetoric.

A new wave of Israeli airstrikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, resulting in massive explosions that shook the Lebanese capital. Flames shot into the sky, and the blasts echoed across the city, according to local correspondents.

In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed a mosque in Deir el-Balah, killing at least 21 Palestinians and injuring dozens more, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has reportedly lost contact with Hashem Safieddine, the chairman of its executive council, according to a Lebanese security source.

Safieddine is seen as a potential successor to the current Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear since last Friday.

As the first anniversary of the October 2023 conflict approaches, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in major cities, including Paris, New York, and Cape Town, demanding an end to the Israeli-Gaza war.

In a separate development, the Israeli military has expanded the "humanitarian zone" in al-Mawasi, southern Gaza, which includes field hospitals and emergency shelters.

However, reports indicate that despite its humanitarian designation, Israeli forces have repeatedly bombed displacement camps in al-Mawasi, resulting in more Palestinian casualties.

Since October 2023, Gaza has witnessed over 41,800 deaths and 96,910 injuries from Israeli attacks.

Turkey and Israel have had a turbulent relationship over the years, marked by moments of cooperation and sharp disputes, particularly over the Palestinian issue.

Erdogan has been an outspoken critic of Israel's policies toward Palestinians, frequently condemning the treatment of Gaza and Israel's military operations in the region.

Previously, Turkey arrested a Kosovan national who was accused of managing Israel's Mossad intelligence agency's financial network.

Despite occasional efforts to normalize diplomatic ties, the two countries have frequently found themselves at odds, especially when tensions in Gaza escalate.

Erdogan's latest remarks come amid increased calls within the Islamic world for stronger measures against Israel, both diplomatically and economically.

His appeal for collective economic sanctions by Islamic countries reflects Turkey's broader strategy to position itself as a leading voice in the region's geopolitical landscape, particularly in defense of Palestinian rights.

Erdogan’s speech also took aim at the historical context of Middle Eastern conflict, referencing early 20th-century imperialist actions that redrew the region’s borders.

He suggested that similar designs are at play today, with Israel allegedly using current regional turmoil to advance its own territorial ambitions.