Turkey severs diplomatic ties with Israel, Erdogan announces

Turkey has officially severed diplomatic relations with Israel, as announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He stated, "We do not have any relationship with Israel at this point," following his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. Erdogan's comments come amid his strong criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. He has called for urgent humanitarian aid and a ceasefire, emphasizing Turkey's role in advocating for Palestinian rights. This break marks a significant shift in Turkey's foreign policy, as Erdogan seeks to strengthen ties with regional powers critical of Israel. The move may impact Turkey's relationships with NATO allies and its influence in the Middle East.