Ankara: Trkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran on Wednesday rejected criticism directed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Trkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying the country would continue to support the oppressed and defend truth and justice.
According to Anadolu Agency, Duran criticized those attempting to lecture Trkiye on morality while facing international criticism over their own actions, including the killing of tens of thousands of civilians over decades in Gaza and the West Bank. "It is complete audacity for an administration and leader with a record marked by the killing of tens of thousands of civilians over decades in Gaza and the West Bank, condemning children to hunger, destroying cities and disregarding international law, to try to give Trkiye lessons on morality," he stated.
Duran also referred to proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning allegations related to Gaza. He said those "being tried on accusations of genocide in Gaza" are attempting to target Trkiye and President Erdogan because they represent 'the voice of the oppressed.'
Calling the accusations against Trkiye "slander and propaganda," Duran said they could not change realities. "The slanders of a mentality condemned in the conscience of humanity can neither change Trkiye's position nor the truth," he said. Duran added that under Erdogan's leadership, Trkiye would continue 'to be the voice of the oppressed, defend the truth and stand against oppression.'
In a separate statement, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz described Netanyahu's remarks against Erdogan as 'baseless accusations and slanders,' saying they could not conceal 'Israel's own wrongdoing.' Yilmaz said the statements held no value 'in our eyes or in the conscience of humanity.'
He also said that Netanyahu, who is facing genocide-related proceedings at an international court, was attempting to deflect responsibility while contributing to regional instability. Yilmaz said Trkiye would continue to uphold international law, diplomacy, peace and the rights of the oppressed at both the regional and global levels.