German Chancellor Friedrich Mers paid an official visit to Ankara on October 30 and met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Strategic issues such as migration, defense, and the situation in Gaza were discussed during the conversation, Die Welt reported. However, on the Gaza issue, which is the main topic, the opinions of the leaders of the two countries differed sharply.
According to Reuters, Erdoğan accused Israel of organizing genocide in Gaza and threatening it with nuclear or other types of heavy weapons. According to him, Germany has ignored or underestimated these actions. Turkey's DHA agency published a transcript of the meeting, in which Erdoğan openly condemned the actions of Israel.
"We exchanged views on regional and global issues. From the very beginning, Turkey put the issue of the genocide in Gaza on the international agenda. We have made every effort to ensure a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. I emphasized the need for a two-state solution for long-term peace in the region. Every state must contribute to this process," Erdoğan said.
Meers, in turn, made concessions to Israel. According to him, Germany has been supporting Israel since 1948, and this position will not change. "We strive for peace. But in this process, it is impossible to make a decision without HAMAS. Israel exercised its right to self-defense. Of course, I am deeply saddened by the situation of children in Gaza, and I hope this horror will soon cease," the Chancellor said.
Erdoğan expressed strong disapproval of Merz's statement. He emphasized that Germany's silence or neutrality regarding the events in Gaza is a very regrettable situation. "I want to say one thing openly: more than 60 thousand women, children, and the elderly perished in this war. Hamas doesn't have nuclear or heavy weapons, but Israel does, and they are striking Gaza every day. Don't you see this, Germany? "Don't you understand this?" the Turkish leader said sharply.
According to Erdoğan, delivering food and aid to Gaza has become very difficult. It was noted that the Red Crescent and Red Cross organizations are unable to provide assistance due to the dangerous situation. "We tried to send more than 100 thousand tons of food, but this is not enough. "Germany and Turkey must act together from a humanitarian point of view, stop this massacre and famine," he said.
Erdoğan also expressed Turkey's readiness to actively participate in the restoration of peace. According to him, Turkey is continuously working for peace in the region through officials in the field of foreign affairs, defense, and intelligence.
"Just as we want to stop the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we also want to end the war between Israel and Gaza. Turkey and Germany can cooperate on this issue," Erdoğan said at the end of the conversation.
The Gaza issue, which was at the center of discussion at the press conference, caused a sharp political dispute in the relations between the two countries. However, both leaders emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and maintaining strategic partnership.
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