Erdogan thanks Sanchez for Gaza stance

Madrid, Spain – AFP

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for his stance on the Gaza war which has seen the Spanish leader emerging as an outspoken critic of Israel.

“Mr Sanchez has pursued a principled and consistent policy from day one (of the war) and has a special place in the hearts of the entire Turkish nation,” Erdogan said, hailing the Spanish leader for his approach to Israel’s war on Gaza.

“In the name of my people, I congratulate” Sanchez for his attitude, he said on an official visit to Spain as the two leaders opened an economic forum in Madrid.

Erdogan, who has taken a very strong stance in support of the Palestinians and Gaza’s Hamas leader, once again accused Israel of committing “genocide” in the tiny territory which “hurts everyone with a conscience”.

“We are faced with an (Israeli) arrogance that responds even to cease-fire calls with bloodshed,” he said.

Spain has emerged as one of Israel’s strongest critics within the European Union.

Israel has killed at least 37,232 people, most of them women and children, according to the local health ministry.

On May 28, Spain formally recognised Palestinian statehood in a coordinated move with Ireland and Norway, in a decision slammed by Israel as a “reward” for Hamas.

And last week, Madrid said it would join South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice, the UN’s top court, in which Pretoria has accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza.

“Turkey is a key economic partner for Spain and a key player in the geostrategic context,” said Sanchez, describing Spain as “Turkey’s best ally in Europe”.