During a Monday telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seized the moment to renew his sharp criticism of Israel.
A statement from Turkey's Communications Directorate, cited by the Anadolu news agency, confirmed that the two heads of state reviewed mutual diplomatic relations alongside broader international and regional affairs.
Addressing developments in the Gaza Strip, Erdogan claimed to Trump that even as efforts focus on advancing to the second phase of the peace framework, there has been an "increase in actions by the Israeli government targeting Palestinians".
The release noted that “Turkey will continue to support lasting peace in the region and steps to be taken for the reconstruction of Gaza," according to the statement.
Furthermore, the briefing highlighted that Erdogan emphasized to Trump the necessity of prioritizing diplomatic channels during ongoing friction between Washington and Tehran, calling it “important" while hoping talks persist and reiterating Turkey's commitment to supporting peacemaking efforts.
The Turkish leader also pointed to the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement recently signed between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, noting that it “demonstrates a strong stance in ensuring regional stability and security," the statement said.
Although Ankara and Jerusalem were nearing a diplomatic reconciliation prior to the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist massacre in southern Israel, relations collapsed rapidly afterward, with Turkish officials repeatedly lambasting the Jewish state. The Turkish leader in particular has maintained a vocal anti-Israel stance.
In March of last year, Erdogan labeled Israel a "terror state" following preemptive strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Gaza.
Months later, he claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government posed the single greatest threat to Middle Eastern stability.
Just last week, Erdogan lashed out at Netanyahu's government, claiming Israel is attempting to push the Palestinian Arab issue off the global stage.
“The aim of the Netanyahu government is to remove Palestine from the common agenda of humanity by profiting from chaos and new conflicts in the region," Erdogan alleged during a joint press briefing alongside Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
Vowing that Ankara would continue advocating for the creation of a Palestinian state, Erdogan added, “No matter what they do, they will not succeed. The Palestinian cause will continue to grow in people’s hearts as they try to destroy it."