He inquired of Merz: "Aren't you afraid that you will be condemned for supporting the wrong side?"
Merz responded that Germany remains a loyal ally of Israel.
“Since the founding of Israel, we have stood by its side. This does not mean that we agree with every step of its government, but we have always supported Israel and the Jewish people,” the chancellor emphasized.
Erdoğan, in turn, sharply criticized Merz's position, calling the actions of the Israeli army in Gaza genocide.
“What the Israeli military is doing cannot be considered war; it is genocide. They are destroying families, children, women. This is an extermination operation,” Erdoğan stated, addressing Merz: “Don’t you, as Germany, see this?”
In response, Merz noted that the responsibility for the conflict lies with the Hamas movement, which is recognized as a terrorist organization in Germany, the USA, and the EU.
“Israel is exercising its right to self-defense. To avoid unnecessary casualties, Hamas must release the hostages and lay down its arms. This would put an end to the war,” he added.
Erdoğan countered, pointing out that Hamas does not possess nuclear weapons, while Israel continues to strike Gaza, even despite the declared ceasefire.
“They are not only attacking Gaza but also trying to subjugate it through starvation and genocide,” the Turkish leader added.
Despite the disagreements, Erdoğan expressed hope for joint work between Turkey and Germany on issues concerning the future of Gaza.
Merz urged Ankara to use its influence on Hamas to advance the second stage of the peace process, the first of which was agreed upon on October 8 with the participation of Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt.
Erdoğan reported that he had instructed his ministers to establish contact with representatives of Hamas to continue negotiations.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was reached on October 10 with the mediation of the USA, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.
