Erdogan says cancelling plans to visit Israel

October 26, 2023

Istanbul (AFP) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday he was cancelling plans to visit Israel because of its "inhumane" war against Hamas militants in Gaza. Ankara's relations with Israel froze over an Israeli raid on a Turkish ship carrying aid into Gaza, which killed 10 civilians in 2010. The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza says 5,791 people have been killed, again mostly civilians, as Israel has bombarded the territory. Erdogan had taken a more measured tone in the first day of war, condemning all attacks against civilians and urging Israel to be measured in its response. On Tuesday, he accused the United Nations Security Council -- where the United States, Britain and France have permanent seats -- of bowing to the "Israeli regime".