Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s address today in the Ankara Parliament drew fervent cheers from the audience, resonating with calls of “Death to Israel.” Erdogan’s discourse asserted Israel’s purported repeated endeavors to undermine the Turkish government over the years. He also announced his anticipation to meet with Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’s political wing, over the weekend, lauding him as the “leader of the Palestinian struggle.”
Erdogan staunchly defended his country’s stance on Hamas, proclaiming, “While everyone else remained silent, we defined Hamas as a resistance movement, not a terror group.” He underscored Turkey’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing solidarity with “our Palestinian brothers in every way.”
Drawing historical parallels, Erdogan equated Hamas with the guerrilla factions that fought alongside Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during Turkey’s War of Independence. The event featured a propaganda film showcasing Turkey’s pro-Palestinian initiatives, inciting the crowd to chant anti-Israel slogans.
Moreover, Erdogan linked Israel to past military coups in Turkey, alleging Israeli involvement in destabilizing Turkish governance. He referenced pivotal moments in Turkish history, such as the coups following demonstrations for Jerusalem, attributing them to Zionist machinations.
Declaring defiance against perceived Israeli interference, Erdogan asserted, “I declare we won’t bow our heads or surrender to your attacks.” He pledged to amplify the Palestinian voice and resist external pressures, including military coups, economic sanctions, and psychological warfare.
{Matzav.com Israel}
