During a meeting of his party’s parliamentary bloc in Ankara on Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan harshly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he "long ago surpassed the Nazi tyrant Adolf Hitler" in relation to the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza.

Erdoğan affirmed Turkey’s commitment to halting what he described as a brutal Israeli genocide, extending beyond Gaza to affect Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran. He sharply criticized the international silence and support for Israel, saying that the blood of Palestinian children and civilians stains the hands of those who remain silent, interpreting such silence as tacit approval of the atrocities.

Highlighting Israel’s widening aggression, Erdoğan pointed to recent assassinations inside Iran and attacks on critical infrastructure. He affirmed Iran’s right to self-defense against these illegal actions, describing it as a natural and legitimate response.

Turkey is reportedly on high alert amid rising regional tensions, with Erdoğan noting that Turkish institutions are prepared for potential security repercussions. He also emphasized Turkey’s advancements toward defense industry independence and enhanced airspace protection through domestic systems.

Erdoğan criticized the United Nations and the global community for their failure to respond to Israel’s “blatant attacks,” reiterating Turkey’s desire for peace, cooperation, and stability in the Middle East, not hegemony or expansion.

While committing to continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, Erdoğan warned that Turkey “will not hesitate to respond appropriately” to any attacks against it.

He concluded by affirming Turkey’s ongoing struggle to end Israeli aggression and achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.