President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey has officially severed relations with Israel, according to reports in Turkish media.

News outlet Medya Ege reported Erdogan to have said, “We, as the State and Government of the Republic of Turkey, have cut off relations with Israel. We do not have any relationship with Israel at this point. Period.”

Erdogan made these comments to journalists aboard his plane following his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. Erdogan highlighted his condemnation of what he termed genocide in Gaza and Lebanon.

He emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid and an immediate ceasefire, “As you know, intense efforts are being made to keep the pressure on Israel alive and to take coercive measures against this country on the basis of international law We show it,” he is reported to have said.

At the time of writing the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv is still operating and Jerusalem has not made any official statement about Erdogan’s comments.

Newsweek has reached out to the Turkish Embassy in Israel for comment by email.

The Turkish president has positioned himself as a vocal critic of Israel in recent years, and his latest announcement marks a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

He has urged the United Nations and other international bodies to take stronger action to ensure the free flow of essential supplies, including food, water, and medical resources, to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Turkey has positioned itself as a key player in the regional efforts to provide aid to Palestinians and refugees in neighboring countries, offering both logistic support and political advocacy.