Erdogan, who is currently facing mass opposition protests in Turkey, has made particularly aggressive statements against Israel during the war in Gaza.

Earlier this month, as Israel resumed military operations:
1. he labeled it a "terror state"
2. and Turkey supports diplomatic efforts to maintain a ceasefire.

During the war, Erdogan also compared Israel to the Nazis. "They have already surpassed Hitler.

Against those who continue to call Hamas a terrorist organization while seeking Israel’s sympathy, we will continue to support the Palestinian struggle for independence under all circumstances and defend it courageously.

Maybe we cannot announce everything we are doing, but I can say that our sensitivity toward Palestine cannot be underestimated," he said.

Last year, speaking before the Turkish parliament, Erdogan declared: "Anyone who speaks against us will be ashamed in the end.
From this podium, I salute the Palestinian struggle and commemorate all the heroes of the Palestinian people who have fallen since October 7"