In a recent diplomatic clash, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has strongly condemned Turkey for lowering its flag to half-mast at its embassy in Tel Aviv. This action followed the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which has sparked a significant diplomatic row between the two nations.
On August 2, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning in response to the death of Haniyeh, the chairman of Hamas's political bureau. Erdogan's declaration was a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian cause and aimed at honouring Haniyeh, who was killed on August 1 in Tehran. Haniyeh had been in the Iranian capital to attend a swearing-in ceremony for President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv responded to this declaration by lowering its national flag to half-mast. This gesture of mourning, however, was met with outrage by Israeli officials. Katz accused Turkey of demonstrating support for terrorism, citing Haniyeh’s role in leading Hamas, which has been responsible for numerous violent acts against Israel.
In a stern rebuke posted on social media platform X, Katz stated that Israel would not tolerate any form of mourning for what he described as a "murderer" like Haniyeh. He suggested that if Turkey wished to mourn, its representatives should do so within their own country rather than in Israel. Katz also criticised Turkey’s President Erdogan for his support of Hamas and its activities.
The Turkish government has not only faced criticism from Israel but also from its own citizens, who have experienced difficulties expressing their condolences online.
The Turkish Regulatory Authority for Digital Information and Communications (BTK) announced a ban on Instagram, accusing the platform of preventing Turkish citizens from posting messages of condolence for Haniyeh. The reasons for the ban and its duration remain unclear.
This diplomatic incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and Turkey, highlighting the broader geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East. As both nations navigate this diplomatic fallout, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for their bilateral relations and regional politics.
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