Image credits: The Times of Israel
Türkiye has strongly condemned Israel’s recent actions in Gaza and the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Ankara has warned that Israel will not cease its operations without facing consequences and has criticized the international community’s indifference to the ongoing conflict.
Ismail Haniyeh, who was based in Qatar and a key figure in Hamas’ diplomatic efforts, was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike while in Tehran for the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement, but hints from Israeli officials suggest its responsibility.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized the West and the United States for their lack of action, arguing that their passivity has allowed Israel to escalate its military operations without restraint. Fidan stated that a tangible response from global powers is essential to curb Israel’s actions, which Türkiye sees as violating international norms.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who had met with Haniyeh earlier this year, expressed his outrage over the assassination, labelling it as part of a broader strategy to expand the Gaza conflict regionally. Erdoğan has vowed that Türkiye will oppose efforts to turn the region into further turmoil and reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause.
The killing of Haniyeh, coupled with recent Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Yemen, has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. Türkiye has criticized these actions and called for an immediate cease-fire, emphasizing its commitment to a two-state solution with defined borders and East Jerusalem as the capital.
Türkiye’s response includes halting all trade with Israel and supporting South Africa’s initiative to bring Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged genocide. The Turkish government is preparing to submit a comprehensive legal document to the ICJ, detailing Israel’s alleged war crimes.
Public sentiment in Türkiye has been vocal, with widespread protests condemning Israeli actions and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Thousands took to the streets of Istanbul, demanding justice for Haniyeh and supporting Palestinian resistance.