ISTANBUL – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on Islamic countries to forge an alliance against what he described as the “growing threat of expansionism” posed by Israel. His remarks came in the wake of reports that Israeli troops killed a Turkish-American woman participating in a protest against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Speaking at an event hosted by an Islamic schools association near Istanbul, Erdogan condemned what he termed “Israeli arrogance, Israeli banditry, and Israeli state terrorism,” advocating for a unified Islamic front to counter these actions.
Erdogan’s call for solidarity is part of a broader diplomatic strategy, which has recently included efforts to mend relations with Egypt and Syria. His meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi this week marked a significant step in repairing ties that had been strained for over a decade. Discussions between the two leaders focused on the Gaza conflict and the restoration of their previously frosty relationship.
The Turkish President also hinted at potential future talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, aiming to rebuild relations severed in 2011 due to the Syrian civil war.
Israeli authorities have yet to comment on Erdogan’s statements. Following the incident on Friday, Israel’s military said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the Turkish-American woman, noting that the details are still under review. There has been no response yet from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.