Erdogan Defends Hamas and Cancels Israel Visit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israel's assault on Gaza and referred to Hamas as "liberators" who protect their land. Erdogan criticized Western powers for shedding tears for Israel but not taking action to stop the violence. He accused the UN Security Council of aggravating the crisis and called for an independent Palestine, with Turkey acting as a guarantor. Erdogan's confrontational tone towards Israel has escalated, with him denouncing an alleged "genocide" and planning to attend a protest in support of Palestine.