In a recently televised address, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan levied strong criticisms against Israel while offering a robust defense of Hamas.

This stance is anticipated to heighten tensions between Turkey and other NATO members, particularly the United States.

While addressing the lawmakers of his Justice and Development Party in Parliament, Erdogan accused Israel of intentionally targeting Gaza civilians, resulting in the deaths of many children, women, and the elderly.

He also criticized Western nations for their unwavering support of Israel and their designation of Hamas, the Palestinian group in control of Gaza, as a terrorist organization.

Contrary to the prevailing view in the West, Erdogan asserted, “Hamas is not a terror organization. It is an organization of liberation, of mujahedeen, striving to defend their homeland and its citizens.”

These comments come at a crucial juncture, especially considering recent events.

On October 7th, Hamas orchestrated an attack in southern Israel, leading to the tragic death of over 1,400 individuals, predominantly civilians.

Additionally, they took more than 220 others—comprising both soldiers and civilians—as captives back to Gaza.

This act intensified the already prevalent Western stance of labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization.

However, Erdogan's critique of Israel's retaliation—which involved urging over a million Gazans to evacuate to the southern parts of the enclave and launching a heavy bombing campaign that devastated civilian neighborhoods—echoes sentiments that resonate in parts of the Arab and Muslim world.

With the Israeli offensive killing over 6,500 people, as reported by Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, Israel has made its intentions clear: to wipe out Hamas.

Israel has even assembled its forces along the Gaza border in anticipation of a potential ground invasion.

They claim that while efforts are made to prevent civilian casualties, Hamas complicates matters by intermingling its combatants with civilians.

Turkey's relationship with Israel has experienced its fair share of ups and downs during Erdogan's tenure, largely influenced by his vehement objections to Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

Yet, in recent times, Erdogan had initiated reconciliation efforts with Israel.

Notably, Turkey hosted Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, in Ankara last year.

This marked the first such visit by an Israeli head of state since 2008.

Moreover, the defense ministers of both nations met and pledged to rejuvenate working relations.

Erdogan also met with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Nevertheless, in light of recent events, Erdogan confirmed the cancellation of all planned visits to Israel.

Erdogan’s affiliation with Hamas is no secret.

Many of its members have been hosted in Turkey, and several of its leaders were present in the country during the October 7th attack on Israel.

Despite Hamas's declared objective to obliterate Israel, Erdogan emphasized his lack of qualms with Israel as a nation.

He condemned any attacks on civilians, including those in Israel, but harshly critiqued Israel's aggressive approach to Gaza, comparing it to a terrorist organization.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry was quick to respond, rejecting Erdogan’s comments outright.

They labeled Hamas as a repugnant terrorist organization, even going to the extent of equating it with ISIS.

Lior Haiat, a spokesperson for the ministry, expressed that Erdogan's inflammatory remarks would not overshadow the atrocities committed by Hamas that the world has witnessed.

In the broader context, Erdogan’s stance diverges significantly from that of most Western nations, with differences not just limited to the Gaza conflict but also regarding Russia.

In the midst of these geopolitical complexities, the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a pressing concern.

With hospitals getting overwhelmed and aid trucks being delayed, international calls for assistance in Gaza are growing louder.

The dire situation underscores the critical need for diplomatic efforts, dialogue, and intervention to restore peace and address the humanitarian crisis.

Keonhee Ahn

Grade 11

Chadwick International School