Netanyahu's 'genocidal methods' would make 'Hitler jealous': Erdogan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 May 2024 14:08

Turkey's president says that Hitler killed people in concentration camps just like what Netanyahu is doing in the "open-air prison" of Gaza.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a joint statement to the media in Baghdad, Iraq on April 22, 2024. (AFP)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that the Israeli occupation is conducting the same practices in Gaza employed by Nazi Germany in its wars, and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has surpassed Adolf Hitler in his "genocidal methods".

"Is it possible to look at what Israel has inflicted on the people of Gaza for months and see it as legitimate for Israel to bomb hospitals, kill children, oppress civilians, and condemn innocent people to hunger, thirst, and lack of medicine under various excuses? What did Hitler do in the past? He oppressed and killed people in concentration camps," Erdogan said in an interview with Greek newspaper Kathimerini.

"Wasn't Gaza turned into an open-air prison not only after Oct. 7, but also for years beforehand? Weren't the people there condemned to limited resources for years, almost like a concentration camp? Who is responsible for the most brutal and systematic mass killings in Gaza after Oct. 7?"

"Netanyahu has reached a level that would make Hitler jealous with his genocidal methods. We are talking about Israel; which targets ambulances, hits food distribution points, and opens fire on aid convoys," he said.

Erdogan: No distinction between Netanyahu, Hitler

This is not the first time that the Turkish president likens Netanyahu to the late Nazi leader.

In December, Erdogan said there is "no distinction" between Netanyahu's actions in the attacks on Gaza and the deeds of Hitler.

"How do you (Netanyahu) differ from Hitler? These (actions) will make us look for Hitler as well," he said then. "Is there anything Netanyahu does that is less than Hitler? No."

Months later, Turkey announced suspending trade agreements with the occupation entity with the toll of martyrs in Gaza due to the ongoing war nearing 35,000.

On May 2nd, the Turkish leadership announced Ankara halted all exports and imports to and from "Israel," which recorded $6.8 billion in 2023.

However, the ban is not permanent. Turkish authorities stated that the lifting of sanctions is conditional upon "Israel's" decision to agree to a permanent ceasefire.

"We decided to stop exports and imports to and from Israel until a permanent ceasefire is achieved (in Gaza) and humanitarian aid is allowed without interruption," Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said after the decision was announced.