Turkish President Erdogan Accuses Israel of Gaza Genocide Following Armenian Genocide Recognition

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sharply criticized Israel on June 28, 2026, accusing it of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. Speaking shortly after the Israeli government unanimously approved Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's proposal to officially recognize the Armenian genocide, Erdogan condemned Israeli actions, stating that "Israeli aggression killed countless innocent Palestinians" and that "they intentionally murdered innocent children." He declared that a genocide had been carried out in Gaza and expressed confidence that those responsible would be held accountable "one day." Erdogan emphasized that Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) would always stand with the oppressed.

This statement came amid escalating tensions between Jerusalem and Ankara, following Israel's historic policy shift to recognize the Armenian genocide of 1915, a move strongly opposed by Turkey. Erdogan's remarks highlight the deepening diplomatic rift between the two countries, as Ankara continues to reject the genocide label for the Armenian events.

The Israeli government's decision to recognize the Armenian genocide marks a significant change in its longstanding stance and is expected to further strain relations with Turkey. Erdogan's accusations against Israel regarding Gaza add another layer of conflict to the already tense bilateral relationship.