The Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv has sparked a diplomatic row by lowering its flag to half-mast following the recent elimination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas. In response, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, has taken a firm stance against the gesture, accusing Turkey of supporting terrorism.
Minister Katz expressed his disapproval on social media, stating that he has directed the Foreign Ministry to summon the Deputy Turkish Ambassador for a severe reprimand. He emphasized that Israel will not tolerate any mourning for individuals he describes as “murderers.” Haniyeh was the leader of Hamas, which Israel considers a terrorist organization responsible for numerous attacks, including the violent incidents on October 7th.
I have instructed the Foreign Ministry officials to summon the Deputy Turkish Ambassador to Israel for a severe reprimand following the lowering of the Turkish flag to half-mast at the Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv, in response to the elimination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) August 2, 2024
Katz criticized the Turkish embassy’s actions, suggesting that if Turkish officials wish to mourn Haniyeh, they should do so in Turkey rather than in Israel. He also linked the Turkish government, led by President Erdogan, to Hamas and its activities, suggesting that Erdogan supports the group’s actions and ideology.
This diplomatic tension comes amidst a broader context of recent military actions. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had delivered significant blows to its adversaries, including the deaths of Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.
Additionally, the Israeli military released a video showing an airstrike in Gaza on July 13, which they claim killed Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’ military wing. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed Deif’s death following an intelligence assessment, although Hamas has not yet commented on this development.
The lowering of the Turkish flag and the subsequent diplomatic fallout highlight the ongoing and often tense relations between Israel and Turkey.
ALSO READ: “Air India Suspends Flights To Israel’s Tel Aviv Till August 8”
Comments