Erdogan: Israel an enemy of Islam

Early on Friday, Israeli aircraft hit three facilities operated by Hamas, the militant group ruling Gaza, including weapons manufacturing and smuggling sites, in response to a previous rocket attack, according to an Associated Press report.

The Israeli military claimed Palestinian militants fired two rockets from Gaza into the country’s south on Friday, within 24 hours.

Erdogan, speaking to reporters following Friday prayers, said the Israeli operation was “a very clear indication about Israel’s attitude towards Muslims.”

“We know Israel is an enemy of Islam. Unfortunately, Israel does not change these habits,” Erdogan said. “We want all of humanity to follow closely Israel’s hostility against Islam evaluate (the situation). Surely, as long as Israel maintains this attitude, it is impossible for bilateral relations to reach a level we would like.”

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued a statement on “Israel’s attacks on Gaza” and said, “Last night's airstrikes conducted on Gaza by Israeli combat aircraft constitute the latest example of the policies of aggression of the Israeli government.”

While Turkish officials often criticize Israel's behavior towards Palestinians, the two sides have had covert relations in intelligence, military and trade.

In recent months, the possibility of the two countries' normalization ties has become a talking point again.