Turkey Cuts Off Relations With Israel: Reports

Source: Newsweek

Published Nov 13, 2024 at 7:24 AM EST | Updated Nov 13, 2024 at 4:22 PM EST


President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey has officially severed relations with Israel, according to reports in Turkish media. News outlet Medya Ege reported Erdogan to have said, "We, as the State and Government of the Republic of Turkey, have cut off relations with Israel. We do not have any relationship with Israel at this point. Period."

Erdogan made these comments to journalists aboard his plane following his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. Erdogan highlighted his condemnation of what he termed genocide in Gaza and Lebanon.

He emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid and an immediate ceasefire, "As you know, intense efforts are being made to keep the pressure on Israel alive and to take coercive measures against this country on the basis of international law We show it," he is reported to have said.

At the time of writing the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv is still operating and Jerusalem has not made any official statement about Erdogan's comments. Newsweek has reached out to the Turkish Embassy in Israel for comment by email.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/turkey-cuts-off-relations-israel-1985013