Erdogan calls Israel a 'war criminal', Tel Aviv recalls ambassadors

Turkish President Recep Erdogan addressed a spontaneous rally of supporters of Palestine and the Gaza Strip in the military conflict against Israel. He condemned the actions of the IDF and declared readiness to declare Jerusalem a war criminal. Turkey's Anadolu news agency reported.

At the same time, he said that "the main culprit of the massacre that is unfolding in Gaza is the West." But did not say that the escalation of the conflict began with the Hamas terrorists' attack on Israel, which killed about 1,400 Israelis.

Erdogan also said that Israel is "a pawn in the region that will be sacrificed when the time comes."

At the same time, Erdogan said Turkey does not indulge in attacks on civilians in Israel. "We mourn for every civilian, but Israel does not care about that," he added.

According to preliminary estimates, the pro-Palestinian rally in Ankara drew 1.5 million people. All of them are demanding that Israel cease hostilities.

In response to the Turkish head of state, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said he had ordered Israeli diplomats in Turkey to return to Israel. This was reported by The Times of Israel.

Cohen also called for a "reassessment of relations" between Israel and Turkey.

Amid the escalating tone of Turkey's statements, I have ordered the recall of our diplomatic representatives from Turkey in order to reassess Israeli-Turkish relations," the Israeli foreign minister said.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the Israel Defence Forces have entered a "new phase" of the war against the Hamas terror group, which is stationed in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported.

The ground in Gaza shook. We attacked on the ground and underground, we attacked terrorists of all ranks, in all places. The commands to the troops are clear: the operation will continue until a new order," he said.

Gallant emphasised that the state is also preparing to protect the citizens of Israel and ensure their security.