Turkey Recalls Ambassador to Israel, Citing Gaza Humanitarian Tragedy

Turkey has announced the recall of its ambassador to Israel and the breaking off of contacts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in protest against the bloodshed in Gaza. The Turkish foreign ministry cited the "unfolding humanitarian tragedy" caused by Israel's attacks on civilians and its refusal to accept a ceasefire. While Israel criticized the move, Hamas welcomed it and urged Turkey to pressure the Biden administration to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held Netanyahu personally responsible for the civilian death toll and stated that he had "written him off." Despite the recall, Turkey stated that completely severing ties was not possible, and efforts to mediate an end to the conflict were ongoing.