Turkish officials condemn Israeli minister's insults after Erdoğan's UN Gaza criticism

Following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s United Nations General Assembly speech condemning Israel’s Gaza campaign, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz responded by branding Erdoğan a “paper sultan” and accusing his remarks of anti-Semitism. Turkey’s head of communications Burhanettin Duran rejected the insults on the NSosyal platform, asserting they would not obscure the serious accusations facing Israel under international law.

AK Party deputy chair Hayati Yazıcı also dismissed Katz’s statements, stressing that Turkey’s position on Gaza and support for Palestinian rights remain steadfast. Both officials warned that personal attacks on Erdoğan would not divert attention from the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the majority of structures are damaged and many civilians have been killed. The exchange highlights a growing diplomatic clash between Ankara and Jerusalem amid the ongoing conflict.