ADVERTISEMENT

Asking if Hitler was worse than Israel 'inappropriate'

Israel, the United States and the European Union all view Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, as a terrorist organisation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously referred to the World War II Nazi leader when dealing with Israel

The comments come less than a week after Turkey appointed a foreign policy advisor to the prime minister as ambassador to Israel, sealing the normalisation of diplomatic relations after a six-year partial rupture.

"I don't approve of what Hitler did, and neither do I approve of what Israel has done. When it's a question of so many people dying, it's inappropriate to ask who was the more barbarous," Erdogan said in an interview with Israeli television on Monday night.

The relationship between the two countries plunged to an all time low after an Israeli commando raid on a Gaza-bound ship in 2010 that killed 10 Turks, prompting Ankara to expel the Israeli ambassador and freeze all defence ties.

ADVERTISEMENT

But the two sides have been working to bring cooperation back to former levels and are holding talks on building an ambitious pipeline project to pump Israeli gas to Turkey and Europe.

Nevertheless, considerable tensions remain with Erdogan presenting himself as a champion of the Palestinians and regularly meeting with Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal.

Israel, the United States and the European Union all view Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, as a terrorist organisation.

It is not the first time that Erdogan has referred to the World War II Nazi leader when dealing with Israel.

After the 2010 raid, he accused Israel of "keeping Hitler's spirit alive".

ADVERTISEMENT

And during the 2014 Gaza War, in which 2,251 Palestinians were killed, according to the UN, he said Israelis "have no conscience, no honour, no pride. They curse Hitler day and night, but they have surpassed Hitler in barbarism".

He has accused the Jewish state of carrying out "genocide" on the Palestinians.

In Monday's comments to Israel's Channel 2 television, Erdogan said he was "well aware" of the sensitivities associated with Hitler, blamed for the deaths of some six million Jews.

But he said he found it "impossible to forget the hundreds, the thousands of people who died when (the Israeli military) struck Gaza".

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT