Erdogan Describes Netanyahu as "Gaza's Butcher"

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the exchange of hostages and detainees between Israel and Hamas, and the ceasefire in Gaza as a "temporary halt to the bloodshed." Speaking to lawmakers in parliament, Erdogan added that statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government "diminish" Ankara’s hopes that the ceasefire will turn into a complete cessation of hostilities. However, he stated that Turkey will intensify diplomatic efforts for a permanent ceasefire and the exchange of hostages and detainees in the coming days. He mentioned that he will discuss the situation in Gaza during a visit to Dubai this week. Erdogan criticized Netanyahu’s "retaliatory" attacks, adding that he will always be remembered as "Gaza's butcher." He also stated that Turkey has "largely" completed the evacuation of its citizens from Gaza, reiterating that a genocide is occurring.