Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clashed over the war in Gaza during a joint press conference in Ankara on Thursday.
While Merz reaffirmed Germany’s firm support for Israel, Erdoğan again accused the country of committing “genocide.”
The Turkish leader noted that Israel launched major airstrikes on Gaza this week, despite the ceasefire that entered into force on October 10. Israel said on Wednesday it had “renewed” its enforcement of the ceasefire.
“They are not only attacking Gaza, but have always been intent on subjugating Gaza through hunger and genocide, and this is still ongoing,” Erdoğan said.
Erdoğan’s remarks came in response to Merz, who told a Turkish journalist that Israel had become a refuge for millions of Jews, including many who survived the Holocaust. “That is why Germany will always stand firmly by the side of the State of Israel,” he said.
The chancellor added that Israel had exercised its “right to self-defence” after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, saying the devastating war could have been avoided if Hamas had released hostages earlier and laid down its arms.
“Then this war would have ended immediately,” said the German chancellor.
Erdoğan replied that he did not agree with Merz, arguing that Hamas had no nuclear or heavy weapons, while Israel possessed such arms and had bombed Gaza again despite the ceasefire agreed to two weeks ago.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meets with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Merz is on his inaugural visit to Turkey. Michael Kappeler/dpa