In a statement on Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted at the possibility of military intervention in Israel, drawing parallels to Turkey’s past military engagements in Libya and Karabakh in aZerbiajan. His remarks come amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza as Israel onslaught on Gaza persists.
During a meeting with party officials in Rize on Sunday, Erdogan asserted, « We must be strong. As we entered Karabakh, as we entered Libya, so we will do to them [Israel]. There is nothing we cannot do. » This declaration follows Israel’s military operation, dubbed « Operation Iron Swords, » which has seen significant casualties and infrastructure devastation in Gaza. The conflict escalated dramatically after Hamas launched a surprise offensive that resulted in about 1,200 deaths in Israel and the taking of over 200 hostages.
President Erdogan noted the need for military strength to take decisive actions, suggesting that if Turkey’s defense capabilities had been more advanced, the situation in Gaza would not have reached its current critical state. His comments were accompanied by a critique of Palestinian National Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, who previously declined to address the Turkish parliament, a move Erdogan deemed disrespectful.
Turkey’s parliament has recently extended the deployment of its military forces in Libya for an additional two years. Erdogan’s administration has been a staunch supporter of Azerbaijan during the Second Karabakh War, showcasing Turkey’s willingness to engage in military operations in response to regional conflicts.
The ongoing violence in Gaza has resulted in a staggering death toll, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 39,000 deaths and over 89,800 injuries since the start of the Israeli bombardments. The Russian Foreign Ministry has called for an immediate ceasefire, advocating for a resolution that favors the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and with its capital in East Jerusalem.
