Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accuses Western leaders of ‘silence’ on Israel’s bombardment of Gaza

• Erdogan raised his anger over the Palestinian death toll in a call with the Pope

The Turkish president has condemned Western leaders for their ’embarrassing’ silence on Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.

Tayyip Erdogan raised his anger over the Palestinian death toll in a call with Pope Francis yesterday.

It is a further sign that the Turkish premier has reversed attempts to improve relations with the West, after earlier this week describing Hamas as a ‘liberation group’.

He told the Pope that Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip was ‘a massacre’ and added that the ‘international community’s silence about what is happening is a shame for humanity’. In a separate televised speech yesterday, Mr Erdogan vented his fury at the West’s ‘unconditional’ support for Israel.

Tayyip Erdogan raised his anger over the Palestinian death toll in a call with Pope Francis yesterday

Black smoke raises from Eastern Gaza City

Palestinians inspect the rubble of destroyed buildings following airstrikes on the town of Khan Younis

He claimed international law was being ‘ignored’ because the ‘blood being spilled is Muslim blood’.

He added: ‘How many more children must die before the EU Commission calls for a ceasefire?

‘How many more tons of bombs must fall on Gaza before the United Nations Security Council can take action?’ Mr Erdogan also said Israel’s barrage of Gaza has exceeded self-defence and descended into ‘oppression, brutality, a massacre and barbarism’.

Gazan authorities have said more than 7,000 people have been killed in the territory since October 7.

The Vatican said the two leaders discussed ‘the dramatic situation in the Holy Land’ during their call.

It said the Pope is ‘hoping the two-state solution can be reached as well as recognising a special status for the city of Jerusalem’.

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