President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey says his country could intervene militarily in Israel’s war on the besiged Gaza Strip.
Erdogan in a speech on Sunday suggested Turkey could intervene on behalf of Palestinians in ways similar to what it has done in other conflicts.
Erdogan was addressing the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party on Sunday.
“We need to be very strong so that Israel cannot do these ridiculous things to Palestine. Just as we entered Karabakh, just as we entered Libya, we can do something similar to them.”
Turkey intervened in the Libyan civil war to support the United Nations-recognized government and supported Azerbaijan against Armenia by supplying arms and conducting joint military drills during the Nagorno-Karabakh war.
Turkish officials and Israeli authorities unleashed barbs at one another on Sunday and Monday over Erdogan's warning.
In retaliation, the Turkish Foreign Ministry compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.
“Just as genocidal Hitler ended, so will genocidal Netanyahu,” said the ministry.
“Just as the genocidal Nazis were held accountable, so will those who try to destroy the Palestinians,” the post continued. “Humanity will stand by the Palestinians. You will not be able to destroy the Palestinians.”
Erdogan has consistently issued strong statement during Israel’s savage military campaign in Gaza.
The Turkish has already recalled Turkey’s ambassador and suspended trade with Israel, and also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing genocide.
Erdogan recently said Israel must face punishment for its actions to deter anyone “from considering such cruelty again.”
“Israel must face the consequences of its actions, ensuring that the punishment serves as a stark deterrent against anyone considering such cruelty again,” Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.
The Turkish president urged the United States to exert pressure on Israel to end the “oppression” in Gaza.