Turkish President Erdogan Declares Israel Terrorist State, Backs Hamas

The President of Turkey, Tayyip Erdogan, tagged Israel a terrorist state during an address before the Turkish Parliament on Wednesday.

Erdogan is one of the world leaders who has been vocal against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza since the conflict started in October.

“With the savagery of bombing the civilians it forced out of their homes while they are relocating, it is literally employing state terrorism. I am now saying, with my heart at ease, that Israel is a terror state,” he said in the televised address.

He also regarded Hamas as a political party that was voted in by the Palestinian people, Reuters reports.

“We will never shy away from voicing the truth that Hamas members protecting their lands, honour, and lives in the face of occupation policies are resistance fighters, just because some people are uncomfortable with it,” he continued.

His statement is in sharp contrast to the rhetoric of several other world leaders, especially in the West. Britain, the United States, and the European Union all regard Hamas as a terrorist organisation.