Türkiye has strongly rejected remarks by the Israeli Foreign Ministry targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accusing Israeli officials of attempting to divert international attention from Israel’s actions against the Palestinian people.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry described the remarks as “vile and outrageous slander,” stressing that such attacks would not conceal the realities of Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The ministry said Erdoğan had once again brought Israel’s systematic oppression of Palestinians to the attention of the international community during his address at the opening of the COP31 Antalya Leaders’ Summit on Nov. 11.

It emphasized that the Turkish president had voiced the concerns of the international community and spoken out on behalf of the conscience of humanity in the face of Israel’s actions.

“Türkiye will continue to stand with the Palestinian people and all those who suffer as a result of Israel’s aggressive policies,” the ministry said, reaffirming Ankara’s unwavering commitment to defending Palestinian rights.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry’s remarks followed Erdoğan’s address at the climate summit in Antalya, where he raised the issue of Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories and the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Türkiye has consistently called for an end to attacks on civilians, the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and international accountability for violations committed against Palestinians. Ankara has also maintained that efforts to draw attention to Palestinian suffering must not be overshadowed by political attacks or attempts to silence criticism of Israel. (ILKHA)