ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses Israel of “barbarism that surpasses Hitler” during its ground invasion of Gaza.
Erdogan says Israel is using disproportionate force in Gaza and that the operation there has derailed efforts to normalize Turkish-Israeli ties. Those soured after Israel’s 2010 raid on an aid ship that killed eight Turks and a Turkish-American.
Erdogan spoke in a campaign speech Saturday in the Black Sea port city of Ordu. He is running for the presidency in elections next month.
The Turkish PM has been speaking out strongly against Israel during its offensive against Hamas, which has killed more than 300 Palestinians.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the parliament in Ankara, July 15, 2014. (photo credit: AFP/Adem Altan)
Hundreds have also staged protests in recent days outside Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul and more were scheduled for later today.
Protests on Thursday turned violent when demonstrators attacked the embassy and consulate in the country. In response, Israel announced that it was pulling some diplomatic staff out of Turkey.
Demonstrators throw stones at the Israeli Embassy in Ankara, as they protest against Israel’s military action in Gaza, on July 18, 2014. (photo credit: AFP/Adem Altan)
— AP, Times of Israel staff
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