Israel Turkey

Erdogan’s ambitions in Syria go beyond fighting ISIS. Is he laying the foundation for a modern Ottoman Empire?

“Just as Hitler, who committed genocide, met his end - so Netanyahu, who committed genocide, will meet his end,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Analysts attribute Erdoğan’s decision to halt trade with Israel to poor results for his party in local Turkish elections last month.

"This decision will remain in place until Israel, under its obligations emanating from international law, urgently declares a ceasefire in Gaza and allows the unhindered flow of... aid," Turkey said.

According to a statement, measures would apply to the export of products from 54 different categories, including iron, marble, steel, cement, aluminum, brick, fertilizer, and more.

A Turkish court in January ordered the arrest of 15 people and the deportation of eight others suspected of having links to Mossad and targeting Palestinians living in Turkey.

Turkey has previously warned Israel of "serious consequences" if it tries to hunt down members of Hamas living outside Palestinian territories, including in Turkey.

Erdogan’s entire, long reign in power has been an effort to come across as the defender and protector of the Palestinians and Jerusalem to gain stature in the Arab and Muslim world.

It was announced on Monday morning that Yehezkel had been released by the Turkish court and was set to be deported from the country. 

Erdogan also said that he is not losing hope for a lasting peace in the conflict adding that Hamas cannot be excluded from its potential solution.