Erdogan Cancels Israel Trip, Calls Hamas 'Mujahideen'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has canceled his planned visit to Israel, citing the "inhumane" war in Gaza and defending Hamas as "liberators." Erdogan's remarks further strain the already deteriorating relations between Turkey and Israel, which have had a rocky history. While ties seemed to be improving recently, Erdogan's criticism of Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza has put relations back in the deep freeze. Erdogan, a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause, has accused the international community of failing to address Israel's attacks on civilians and referred to the people of Gaza as suffering from "collective punishment." He is expected to attend a pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul on Saturday.