Tensions escalated between Israel and Turkey this week as the two countries exchanged inflammatory statements over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to Al Jazeera, The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a scathing rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comparing him to Adolf Hitler.
“Just as the end of the genocidal Hitler came, so too will be the end of the genocidal Netanyahu,” the ministry said in a statement, according to the official Anadolu Agency. “Just as the genocidal Nazis were held accountable, those who seek to destroy the Palestinians will also be held accountable.”
The ministry’s statement continued: “Humanity will stand with the Palestinians. You will not be able to destroy the Palestinians.”
The sharp words from Ankara came in response to remarks made by Israeli President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who suggested Turkey may intervene in Israel to help the Palestinians. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz fired back, drawing a parallel between Erdogan and former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
“Erdogan is following in Saddam Hussein’s footsteps and threatening to attack Israel,” Katz said. “He should remember what happened there and how it ended.”
The war of words reflects the escalating tensions between the two regional powers as the fighting in Gaza shows no signs of abating. Turkey has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military operations, while Israel accuses Turkey of supporting terrorist groups like Hamas.
As the rhetorical battle intensifies, there are fears it could spill over into direct military confrontation. Both sides have hinted at the possibility of armed intervention, raising the specter of a wider regional conflict….Sêe_Morē