Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Israel has "proved" that it is "a terrorist state that feeds on the blood of innocents" by resuming its attacks on the Gaza Strip. Authorities reported that 404 people were killed and 562 wounded in the early morning bomb attacks.
"With its brutal attacks on Gaza last night, the Zionist regime once again proved that it is a terrorist state that feeds on the blood, lives and tears of innocent people."
Following the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians, Erdoğan said that "those responsible for the atrocity" would "account for every drop of blood". Referring to the meal Muslims eat at dawn during Ramadan, "Can you imagine 330 innocent people? Unfortunately, this Zionist regime committed genocide and massacred them during suhoor. Most of them were women and children."
"The fire, which is burning innocent children, babies, and women, will eventually consume those who stoke the flames and pour gasoline on the fire if this arrogance, madness, recklessness, and insolence continue," the Turkish President said.
He reiterated that Ankara supports the "oppressed people of Gaza" and will continue to "intensify" its "diplomatic efforts to stop the massacres, achieve peace and restore the ceasefire" between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
The Israeli government has ordered the army to take "tough measures" against Hamas after the Palestinian group rejected "all offers" made by mediators under a ceasefire agreement and allegedly prepared to launch attacks in response to Israeli demands to extend the first phase of the deal.
Hamas has insisted on adhering to the original terms of the agreement, which was due to enter its second phase weeks ago, including a definitive ceasefire in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the release of hostages still alive. But Israel backed down and insisted that the group must be eliminated and refused to start contacts for the second phase.