Turkey’s President Erdogan Urges Islamic Nations to Unite Against Israeli Expansionism

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called for an alliance among Islamic countries to counter what he described as the “growing threat of expansionism” from Israel.

His remarks came after reports of the killing of a Turkish-American woman by Israeli troops during a protest against settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday.

Erdogan has taken steps to improve relationships with Egypt and Syria. NECATI SAVAS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Erdogan, speaking at an Islamic schools’ association event near Istanbul, condemned Israel’s actions, stating, “The only step that will stop Israeli arrogance, Israeli banditry, and Israeli state terrorism is the alliance of Islamic countries.”

He emphasised that recent efforts by Turkey to improve relations with countries like Egypt and Syria are part of a broader strategy to create a united front against this perceived expansionist threat, which he claimed also threatens Lebanon and Syria.

Earlier this week, Erdogan hosted Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Ankara. They discussed the ongoing Gaza conflict and explored ways to further mend their long-frozen ties. This meeting marked the first presidential visit between the two nations in 12 years, signalling a significant shift in their diplomatic relations. Since 2020, Turkey has been working to ease tensions with regional rivals, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Erdogan also indicated that Turkey is open to extending an invitation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for possible talks to restore relations between the two neighbouring countries, which severed ties in 2011 following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

Israel did not immediately respond to Erdogan’s remarks. However, in response to the incident on Friday, Israel’s military stated that they were investigating reports of a female foreign national being killed by gunfire in the area. The details of the incident and the circumstances surrounding her death are currently under review.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately comment on the incident or Erdogan’s statements.