Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's decision to order a day of mourning for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh drew swift and fiery condemnation from Israel and the international community, with flags lowered to half-mast in Turkey and other countries.
Turkey's controversial move to lower flags to half-mast in honor of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an explosion in Tehran, sparked outrage in Israel and condemnation from the international community.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz summoned the deputy Turkish ambassador for a "severe reprimand" after the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv lowered its flag in honor of Haniyeh's death. Katz accused Erdoğan of turning Turkey into a "dictatorship" over its support for Hamas, which he labeled as a group of "murderers and rapists."
Turkey's Outrageous Act: Lowering Flags for Hamas Leader Haniyeh Sparks Israeli Ire and International Condemnation
Turkey's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Keceli defended the flag-lowering, stating that "you cannot achieve peace by killing negotiators" and referencing Haniyeh's involvement in ongoing ceasefire talks.
However, the incident raised questions about the alleged planting of an explosive device in the visitor quarters where Haniyeh was staying in Tehran, a building heavily monitored by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led a prayer over Haniyeh's coffin, and Iran, along with Hamas and Hezbollah, accused Israel of the assassination and vowed revenge.
Turkey's Outrageous Act: Lowering Flags for Hamas Leader Haniyeh Sparks Israeli Ire and International Condemnation
The lowering of flags in Turkey also sparked outrage on social media, with many users criticizing Erdoğan's support for Hamas and questioning the lowering of flags for a terrorist leader. Images on social media appeared to show that the Turkish flag was lowered to half-mast in Washington, D.C., although Fox News could not independently verify these images.
The U.S. State Department has not commented on the incident, and neither has the Turkish embassy in Washington.
Turkey's Outrageous Act: Lowering Flags for Hamas Leader Haniyeh Sparks Israeli Ire and International Condemnation
Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's death, unlike its strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr. However, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah continue to hold Israel responsible and have threatened retaliation.
The international community has condemned Turkey's action, with the United States expressing its "deep concern" and the United Kingdom calling it "deeply offensive." The European Union has also condemned the move, stating that it supports Israel's right to defend itself against terrorism.
Turkey's Outrageous Act: Lowering Flags for Hamas Leader Haniyeh Sparks Israeli Ire and International Condemnation
Turkey's actions have further strained its relationship with Israel and heightened tensions in the region. The incident highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
