Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clashed over the war in Gaza during a joint press conference in Ankara on Thursday. While Merz reaffirmed Germany's firm support for Israel, Erdogan accused the country of committing 'genocide.'

According to Ghana News Agency, the Turkish leader noted that Israel launched major airstrikes on Gaza this week, despite the ceasefire that entered into force on October 10. Israel announced on Wednesday it had 'renewed' its enforcement of the ceasefire. Erdogan stated, 'They are not only attacking Gaza, but have always been intent on subjugating Gaza through hunger and genocide, and this is still ongoing.'

Erdogan's remarks came in response to Merz, who told a Turkish journalist that Israel had become a refuge for millions of Jews, including many who survived the Holocaust, and emphasized that Germany would always stand by the State of Israel. The chancellor added that Israel had exercised its 'right to self-defence' after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, suggesting the war could have been avoided if Hamas had released hostages earlier and laid down its arms. 'Then this war would have ended immediately,' said the German chancellor.

Erdogan replied that he did not agree with Merz, arguing that Hamas had no nuclear or heavy weapons, while Israel possessed such arms and had bombed Gaza again despite the ceasefire agreed to two weeks ago.