Turkish Presidency's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran strongly criticized remarks by Israeli officials targeting Türkiye, saying attempts by the Israeli regime to lecture the country on morality were "utterly unacceptable."

In a statement posted on social media, Duran said the Israeli regime had for decades targeted civilians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, accusing it of destroying cities, violating international law and subjecting Palestinian children to hunger and suffering.

Duran said it was unacceptable for a leadership with such a record to attempt to give moral lessons to Türkiye.

Referring to the genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice, Duran said those facing such accusations were attempting to smear Türkiye and unjustly target President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whom he described as a voice for the oppressed.

He said allegations and propaganda campaigns would neither change the facts nor alter Türkiye's position in support of the Palestinian people.

Duran added that attempts to discredit Türkiye could not overshadow what he described as the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.(ILKHA)