Turkish President marks Eid al-Adha, calls Netanyahu 'tyrant' over Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha on Wednesday with a message of solidarity for Palestinians suffering in Gaza, delivering a sharp rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during prayers at Istanbul's Çamlıca Mosque.

Solidarity with Gaza

In his holiday message, Erdogan described Eid al-Adha as a "spiritual blessing" and extended greetings to Muslims worldwide, particularly those welcoming the occasion "with sadness, pain and deep sorrow" in Gaza and across the Islamic world. "To all our brothers and sisters welcoming this holiday with sadness in different corners of our spiritual geography, particularly those in Gaza, I extend my strongest messages of solidarity," he said, according to Anadolu Agency.

Netanyahu criticized

Speaking to reporters following prayers at the Çamlıca Mosque, Erdogan described Netanyahu as a "tyrant" and expressed hope that Muslims globally would unite in opposition to Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. "I also believe that the tyrant known as Netanyahu will learn the necessary lesson at the hands of the world's Muslims," Erdogan said, as Türkiye maintains its position as one of the most outspoken critics of Israel's military campaign.

Holiday observance

Millions across Türkiye performed Eid prayers on Wednesday morning, marking the Feast of the Sacrifice which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son before divine intervention provided a ram. Muslims traditionally sacrifice animals during the four-day holiday and distribute the meat to the poor, with Erdogan noting that such occasions strengthen social bonds and mutual support. Erdogan has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expanded humanitarian aid access, with Ankara maintaining diplomatic pressure on Israel as the holiday continues.