Israel withdraws diplomats in Turkey after Erdogan’s fierce criticism
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Istanbul: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey told a massive rally in Istanbul that Western powers are using Israel as ‘ a pawn in the region’ to exert their authority on the Middle East, new agency AFP reported.
Erodgan's Justice and Development Party brought to streets on Saturday more than 1.5 million people protesting against Israel’s excess in Gaza Strip.
Known for his unwavering support to Palestinian rights, Erdogan accused the West of creating a ‘crusade war atmosphere’ turning Christians against Muslims.
Edorgan said: "Listen to our call for dialogue," adding "No one loses from a just peace."
Accusing Israel of behaving like a ‘war criminal’, Erdogan said ‘ Israel, you are an occupier’ as his followers waved Turkish and Palestinians flags.
Even as the Islamic groups taking out pro-Palestinians rallies in Istanbul, a polls this week showed majority in Turkey preferring the country to remain neutral or involve in a mediating role in the raging war.
Marking a relapse in ties, Israel on Saturday announced recalling its diplomatic staff from Turkey following Erdogan’s fierce verbal attack on Israel’s military action against Hamas.
"Given the grave statements coming from Turkey, I have ordered the return of diplomatic representatives there in order to conduct a reevaluation of the relations between Israel and Turkey," Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen reportedly said in a statement.
Israel’s decision could undermine efforts by two sides in recent years to bridge ‘political and economic relations’ after years of standoff.
As part of improving ties both countries agreed to reappoint ambassadors last year.
The meltdown in diplomatic relations comes as discussions were progressing for a US-backed natural gas pipeline, which observers said could have brought Israel and Turkey for a closer cooperation.
The region has plunged once again into unrest and bloodletting after Hamas carried out attack on Israel on October 7 killing 1,400 people alongside seizing more than 200 hostages.
Israel in retaliation killed as per the data by the health ministry in Gaza as many as 7,703 people including 3,500 children.
