Erdogan steps up attacks on 'state of occupation' Israel

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday described Israel as a “state of occupation” which used “terror” against the Palestinians, as he stepped up his criticism of the US recognition of Jerusalem as its capital.

Erdogan has been bitterly opposed to the decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem and has called a summit of Islamic countries on December 13 in Istanbul.

“Israel is a state of occupation,” Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul, referring to Israel’s continued occupation of the West Bank and settlement building.

“And now they are making use of terror and are bombing young people and children,” he said.

READ MORE: Anger in Muslim world as Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

Retaliatory Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip killed two militants from Palestinian group Hamas before dawn, bringing to four the number killed since Trump announced the move.

Erdogan, who regards himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause and an opponent of any perceived global injustice against Muslims, described Jerusalem as the “apple of our eye” and a “red line” for Muslims.

He said that the American decision was “null and void” for Ankara.

“Trump seeks to move forwards by saying ‘there we go, I did it, it’s done!’. I’m sorry but… being strong does not give you such a right.”

“The leaders of major countries have a mission to make peace. Not unleash conflicts.

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Erdogan on Saturday continued to play a central role in diplomatic efforts in the crisis, telephoning French President Emmanuel Macron and Lebanese President Michel Aoun, the presidency said.

Last year, Turkey and Israel ended a rift triggered by Israel’s storming in 2010 of a Gaza-bound ship that left 10 Turkish activists dead and led to a downgrading of diplomatic ties.

The two sides have since stepped up cooperation, particularly in energy, but Erdogan has repeatedly been bitterly critical of Israeli policy.

Last week he warned that Turkey’s reaction “could go as far as” cutting relations with Israel, but he made no reference to this in his latest speech.