Diplomatic Tensions Soar: Israel Reprimands Turkey Over Mourning for Hamas Leader

Israel summoned the Turkish deputy ambassador after Turkey lowered its embassy flag in mourning for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's death. Haniyeh was killed in Tehran during the Iranian President's inauguration, an act Iran blames on Israel. Tensions have escalated amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry on Friday summoned the deputy Turkish ambassador for a stern reprimand after Turkey's embassy in Tel Aviv lowered its flag to half-mast, mourning the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Foreign Minister Israel Katz asserted that Israel would not tolerate mourning for a figure like Haniyeh.

Haniyeh was killed in Tehran while attending the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for his death, Iran, along with allies Hamas and Hezbollah, have blamed Israel and vowed revenge. Responding to Haniyeh's death, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning on Friday, Aug 2.

Katz's statement highlighted Haniyeh's role as Hamas leader during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and foreigners and led to more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza. This incident triggered Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza, where over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed thus far, further escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey.

(With inputs from agencies.)