Istanbul, Dec 9 (AFP) Turkish President Recep TayyipErdogan today described Israel as a "state of occupation"which used "terror" against the Palestinians, as he stepped uphis criticism of the US recognition of Jerusalem as itscapital.
Erdogan has been bitterly opposed to the decision of USPresident Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem and has called asummit of Islamic countries on December 13 in Istanbul.
"Israel is a state of occupation," Erdogan said in aspeech in Istanbul, referring to Israel's continued occupationof the West Bank and settlement building.
"And now they are making use of terror and are bombingyoung people and children," he said.
Retaliatory Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip killedtwo militants from Palestinian Islamist group Hamas beforedawn, bringing to four the number killed since Trump announcedthe move.
Erdogan, who regards himself as a champion of thePalestinian cause and an opponent of any perceived globalinjustice against Muslims, described Jerusalem as the "appleof our eye" and a "red line" for Muslims.
He said that the American decision was "null and void"for Ankara.
"Trump seeks to move forwards by saying 'there we go, Idid it, it's done!'. I'm sorry but... being strong does notgive you such a right.""The leaders of major countries have a mission to makepeace. Not unleash conflicts."Erdogan today continued to play a central role indiplomatic efforts in the crisis, telephoning French PresidentEmmanuel Macron and Lebanese President Michel Aoun, thepresidency said.
Last year, Turkey and Israel ended a rift triggered byIsrael's storming in 2010 of a Gaza-bound ship that left 10Turkish activists dead and led to a downgrading of diplomaticties. (AFP)NSA.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.