Türkiye’s communications chief rejects Netanyahu’s criticism

Türkiye’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran on Wednesday rejected criticism directed at Türkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement on NSosyal, Duran said it is “complete audacity for an administration and leader with a record marked by the killing of tens of thousands of civilians over decades in Gaza and the West Bank, condemning children to hunger, destroying cities and disregarding international law, to try to give Türkiye lessons on morality.”

Genocide accusations

Duran referred to proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning allegations related to Gaza, stating that those “being tried on accusations of genocide in Gaza” are attempting to target Türkiye and President Erdoğan because they represent “the voice of the oppressed.” He called the accusations against Türkiye “slander and propaganda” that cannot change realities. “The slanders of a mentality condemned in the conscience of humanity can neither change Türkiye’s position nor the truth,” he said.

Stand with the oppressed

Duran added that under Erdoğan’s leadership, Türkiye would continue “to be the voice of the oppressed, defend the truth and stand against oppression.” The exchange follows Netanyahu’s recent statements criticising Türkiye’s role in regional diplomacy and its support for Palestinian rights. Türkiye has consistently condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza and has backed South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. Ankara has also suspended all trade with Israel and called for Netanyahu’s prosecution by the ICC.