Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Russia, Syria, and Iran to step up their efforts in protecting Syria’s territorial integrity, following an airstrike on Damascus reportedly carried out by Israel.

During an interview with Turkish media, Erdogan emphasized the need for immediate action after the Israeli strikes.

“We will defend an urgent and permanent peace in Syria… Israel is the most concrete threat to regional and global peace,” Erdogan declared.

He underscored the importance of Russia, Iran, and Syria taking stronger steps, stating, “It is essential that Russia, Iran, and Syria take more effective measures against this situation, which poses the greatest threat to Syria’s territorial integrity.”

Tensions between Israel and Turkey were easing after years of strain, with a reconciliation seemingly on the horizon before Hamas’ assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. However, since then, Erdogan has resumed his vocal criticism of Israel.

In one address, Erdogan accused Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of “committing one of the greatest atrocities of this century in Gaza and has already put his name down in history as the butcher of Gaza.”

In July, Erdogan issued a warning that Turkey could invade Israel, asserting, “We must be strong so Israel won’t be able to do these things to the Palestinians. Just as we entered Karabakh and Libya, we will do the same to Israel. There’s nothing left to do, we must be strong.”

He continued his attacks on Israel, accusing it of “committing acts of barbarism” and describing Gaza as “the world’s largest concentration camp.”

Back in May, Erdogan took pride in the fact that over 1,000 Hamas members were receiving medical care in Turkish hospitals.

Following the media attention his comments garnered, a Turkish official clarified that Erdogan had been referring more broadly to Palestinian Arabs from Gaza under Hamas rule, not necessarily members of Hamas specifically.

{Matzav.com Israel}