Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at AK Party headquarters in Ankara
Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks at AK Party headquarters in AnkaraREUTERS/Umit Bektas

Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Saturday said it would recall its ambassador, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, from Tel Aviv for "consultations."

In a statement, the Turkish ministry said, "in view of the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in Gaza caused by the continuing attacks by Israel against civilians, and Israel's refusal (to accept) a ceasefire," as well as Israel's refusal to allow "an ongoing and undisturbed flow of humanitarian aid" to Gaza.

For these reasons, the statement added, "it was decided to recall our ambassador from Tel Aviv for consultations."

Israel's Foreign Ministry responded to Turkey's announcement by criticizing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"The Turkish President has sided with Hamas," the Ministry said.

On Friday, Honduras announced that it would recall its ambassador from Israel, claiming that israel's "violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip" as the reason for its decision.