Turkey Rejects Netanyahu's UN Accusations of Hamas Ties

Ankara has vehemently denied accusations made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations, labeling them as "baseless." Netanyahu, addressing the UN General Assembly, referred to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a "tyrant" and accused Turkey of harboring Hamas leaders.

Prior to Netanyahu's speech, dozens of delegates from various countries walked out, with some shouting in protest. In response, Netanyahu challenged any remaining delegates who felt morally compromised to also leave.

Netanyahu further stated that "the latest country to become a hotbed for the dissemination of antisemitic lies is Turkey," reiterating his claim that Erdoğan "hosts Hamas leaders."

This exchange occurred after Erdoğan urged world leaders to increase pressure on Israel regarding its war in Gaza and called for international recognition of an independent Palestinian state.

Burhanettin Duran, Director of Communications for the Turkish Presidency, strongly criticized Netanyahu's claims, stating they contradict UN values. Duran argued that using the UN platform for "baseless accusations" against Turkey and Erdoğan goes against the "principles of peace, law, and dialogue" that the UN embodies. He added that Netanyahu's words cannot "obscure the reality of the massacres he is committing, the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and the ongoing international legal proceedings."