Türkiye cuts off contact with Israeli Prime Minister, recalls ambassador

"Mr. Netanyahu is no longer someone we can talk to. We have broken off relations with him," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on his flight back home from Kazakhstan on November 4, according to RT.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a rally in support of Palestinians in Istanbul on October 28.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry announced on the same day that it was recalling its ambassador to Israel Sakir Ozkan Torunlar due to "the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip due to Israel's continued attacks against civilians, and because of Israel's refusal to accept calls for a ceasefire and continued humanitarian aid."

However, President Erdogan stressed that Türkiye is not completely severing diplomatic relations with Israel. "A complete severance of relations is impossible, especially in international diplomacy," Erdogan said.

The leader suggested that Turkey could play a role as a sponsor if Israel and Palestine reach a peace deal. He revealed that Turkish Intelligence Director Ibrahim Kalin is leading negotiations with both Israel and Hamas.

According to President Erdogan, Prime Minister Netanyahu is the one who is mainly responsible for the violence and has lost the support of the Israeli people. "What he needs to do is take a step back and stop this," Mr. Erdogan called.

Last month, Israel withdrew diplomats from Türkiye and said it was reassessing its relationship with the country following President Erdogan's criticism of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.

President Erdogan said his government was working on a long-term peace formula that would see Gaza part of a future Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Erdogan said “the whole West, especially the United States, is siding with Israel” and cannot be trusted to give Palestine a fair consideration. Erdogan’s comments came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Türkiye for two days from November 5.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has called Türkiye's withdrawal of its ambassador an act of solidarity with Hamas, which Tel Aviv considers a "terrorist organization." Hamas, meanwhile, welcomed Türkiye's decision and called on it to increase pressure on the United States so that humanitarian and medical aid can reach the people of the Gaza Strip.

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