Diplomatic Tensions Soar: Turkey's Mourning Gesture Incites Israeli Protest

Israel summoned the deputy Turkish ambassador after Turkey's embassy in Tel Aviv lowered its flag to half-mast for slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israel's Foreign Minister condemned the action, while Turkish President Erdogan declared a day of mourning. Tensions rise amid accusations and ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Israel's foreign ministry summoned the deputy Turkish ambassador for a reprimand on Friday as Turkey's embassy in Tel Aviv lowered its flag to half-mast in response to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated, "The State of Israel will not tolerate expressions of mourning for a murderer like Ismail Haniyeh." Haniyeh was killed in Tehran while attending the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, Iran and its allies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, have blamed Israel and vowed retaliation.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan declared Friday, Aug 2, a day of national mourning for Haniyeh. Katz's statement highlighted Haniyeh's role during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel that resulted in significant casualties and hostages, triggering Israel's assault on Gaza.

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oncu Keceli, responding to Katz's remarks on social media platform X, said, "You cannot achieve peace by killing negotiators, threatening diplomats," in reference to Haniyeh's killing. The incident has exacerbated tensions between Israel and Turkey since the start of the war in Gaza, which has led to significant loss of Palestinian lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)