Erdogan claims Israel is challenging Turkey
Tengrinews.kz - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Israel's plans extend beyond Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, suggesting that Turkish territory could be the next target for attacks.
Erdogan emphasized that Israel is executing a "sinister plan" with historical ties to Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
"It's clear that they are in a race to challenge Turkey," he remarked during a speech in Adana on Friday.
He criticized the Israeli administration for revealing its true intentions with its statements and actions.
The President highlighted that every time there is a chance for a ceasefire and peace in the region, Israel provokes tensions, undermining those efforts.
"They are turning our region into a sea of tears," he added, condemning the West for its continued support of what he described as a network of mass killings.
Erdogan also voiced strong opposition to any disintegration of the region reminiscent of the Sykes-Picot Agreement.
"We will not allow our geography to be torn apart again," he stated.
On October 1, Israel initiated a ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon while continuing airstrikes, resulting in over a thousand casualties, including Hezbollah leaders, and displacing more than 90,000 people. Despite the losses, Hezbollah continues to engage in ground battles and rocket attacks on Israeli territory.
Later on October 1, Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israel in response to the deaths of key figures including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas's Ismail Haniyeh.