Afət Ziyadqızı
Turkish authorities have described remarks by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as baseless and inappropriate.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Communications Directorate of the Turkish Presidential Administration issued an official statement on the matter.
Katz previously called the Turkish leader a “sultan on paper” and accused him of using antisemitic and provocative rhetoric.
The Communications Directorate said in its statement: “Katz’s baseless and inappropriate remarks against our president cannot conceal what is happening in Gaza.”
Ankara also said that, under Erdogan’s leadership, Türkiye would continue to fight for justice, peace and the protection of the rights of people affected by conflicts. According to Türkiye, the actions of the Israeli leadership in the Gaza Strip raise serious concerns under international law.
Relations between Türkiye and Israel have sharply deteriorated since Israel launched its military operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Ankara has repeatedly criticized Israel’s actions against Palestinians, halted trade with Israel and supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been maintained at a minimal level. As Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan previously stated, cooperation is conducted through intelligence agencies when necessary.
