Erdogan to Merz: “Does Germany Not See Israel’s ‘Genocide’ in Gaza?”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday sharply criticized Germany for what he described as its indifference toward Israel’s “genocide” and ongoing attacks in Gaza, speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a tense joint press conference in Ankara.

The exchange marked an unusually open clash between the two NATO allies during Merz’s first official visit to Turkey since taking office.

Merz reaffirmed his government’s stance of standing by Israel following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, saying Israel was exercising its legitimate right to self-defense.

“Countless unnecessary deaths could have been avoided if Hamas had released the hostages and laid down its weapons,” Merz said, adding that he hoped the conflict would end soon through a U.S.-brokered ceasefire supported by Turkey.

Erdogan accuses Israel of genocide through oppression

Erdogan — one of Israel’s most outspoken critics and a key player in ceasefire negotiations — said he “could not agree” with Merz’s position.

“Hamas has no bombs, no nuclear weapons. Israel has them all, and it continues to use them against Gaza — just as it did again last night,” Erdogan said.

He continued, “Does Germany not see this? Does Germany not follow what’s happening? Beyond the bombings, Israel has always tried to subdue Gaza through famine and genocide.”

A recent U.N. inquiry concluded that Israel’s operations in Gaza constituted acts of genocide, citing killings, blockades, and destruction carried out with the intent to eradicate Palestinian life in the region. Several Israeli and international human rights groups have reached similar conclusions.

Israel has rejected the genocide allegations as politically motivated, insisting its military campaign targets Hamas, not Gaza’s civilian population, and that it takes measures to minimize civilian casualties.

Merz, while critical of certain Israeli actions in Gaza, has refused to endorse genocide claims, arguing that criticism of Israel should not become a pretext for antisemitism. Germany earlier this year suspended military exports to Israel, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Erdogan calls for cooperation on Gaza aid and defense ties

Despite the sharp disagreement, Erdogan said he believed Turkey and Germany could still cooperate to deliver humanitarian aid and help end famine in Gaza.

He also pointed to opportunities for joint defense industry projects between the NATO partners and reiterated Turkey’s long-standing aspiration to join the European Union.

Merz, in turn, described Turkey as a “close partner” of the EU and expressed interest in strengthening bilateral economic ties, particularly in transportation and migration management.