ANKARA: Turkey’s President, Tayyip Erdogan, expressed criticism on Tuesday regarding the United States’ decision to move a carrier strike group closer to Israel. Erdogan voiced concerns that such a move could lead to “serious massacres” in the Gaza region.
The decision to move a carrier strike group, which includes the USS Gerald R. Ford, closer to Israel, came in response to a surprise attack by Hamas militants on Israel over the weekend. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced this strategic shift on Sunday.
During a joint Press conference with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Ankara, Erdogan questioned the purpose of the U.S. aircraft carrier’s proximity to Israel, stating, “What will the aircraft carrier of the U.S. do near Israel, why do they come? What will boats around it and the aircraft on board do? They will engage in operations around Gaza, potentially leading to significant casualties.”
Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s willingness to mediate between Israeli and Palestinian parties to facilitate calm in the region.
This situation unfolds as Turkey, which has historically supported the Palestinian cause and hosted members of Hamas, strives to restore diplomatic ties with Israel following a period of strained relations.
