"The government of the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Tayyip Erdogan, will not continue or develop relations with Israel," Erdogan said. "[Our ruling government] is resolute in its decision to cut ties with Israel, and we will maintain this stance in the future as well."
"We, as the State and Government of the Republic of Turkey, have cut off relations with Israel," Erdogan added. "We do not have any relationship with Israel at this point. Period."
Erdogan made these comments to reporters aboard his plane following his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
This decision is the culmination of a year of souring relations between the two nations over Israel's conduct in its war in Gaza, resulting in Ankara escalating the diplomatic spat with Tel Aviv. Back in May, Erdogan's government imposed a trade embargo on Israel. His government also joined South Africa and over two dozen other nations in Pretoria's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Ankara continues to advocate for a global arms embargo against Tel Aviv. (Related: Israeli government targeting U.S. influencers, commentators and journalists over their opposition to Gaza genocide.)
As of press time, the Turkish Embassy to the State of Israel in Tel Aviv is still operating, and the Israeli government has not made any official statement responding to Erdogan's comments.
Erdogan is a vocal critic of Israel and an opponent of the mistreatment of Muslims worldwide in recent years. His government has frequently denounced Israeli military actions against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
During the ongoing conflict in Gaza, he has repeatedly urged the United Nations and other international organizations to take stronger action to ensure the free flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, especially food, water and medical supplies.
Turkey has also been positioning itself as the key provider of aid to Palestinians and Palestinian refugees in neighboring nations, offering significant logistical support for their needs and political advocacy for their desire for a ceasefire and their eventual return to Gaza to rebuild their homes and lives.
Given Erdogan's noted anti-Armenian and anti-Kurdish beliefs and government policies, his declaration of severing ties with Israel should not be seen as a true desire for peace but rather as a message regarding Erdogan's ambition to turn Turkey into a key regional power in the Middle East.
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