The president of Turkey has ramped up his criticism of Israel today, calling it a “terrorist state” intent on destroying Gaza.
In a fiery speech, Recep Tayyip Erodgan said his country would take steps to make sure Israel’s leaders were brought to trial in international courts.
“Israel is implementing a strategy of total destruction of a city and its people,” he said.
“I say openly that Israel is a terrorist state.”
He added that Turkey would work on the international stage to ensure that Israeli settlers are recognised as terrorists.
Mr Erdogan described Hamas militants as “resistance fighters” trying to protect their land and people.
Turkey recently normalised relations with Israel following a decade of tensions after Israeli commandos stormed a Turkish aid ship in 2010, killing 10 Turkish activists.
The vessel was trying to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
However, the Israel-Hamas conflict has again strained their ties.