Erdogan: All those who have blood on their hands in Gaza must be punished

(Patria) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he expects the International Criminal Court (ICC) to ensure accountability for the "butchers of Gaza", especially Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Addressing reporters on the presidential plane on his return from Dubai, where he attended the COP28 climate summit, Erdogan emphasized the need to punish all those whose hands are bloodied in the monstrous Israeli attacks on Gaza.

He stressed that he will closely follow the proceedings in The Hague, expressing hope that it will bring at least some sense of justice.

He once again strongly condemned the Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip.

"This is state terrorism. We cannot remain silent in the face of this state terrorism," he said.

He also pointed out that "the massacre by Netanyahu's administration in Gaza is etched in history as a black stain".

"The states that unconditionally support it also bear a black stain," Erdogan said.

He warned that the world will never forget the indifference of these states and international organizations.

"Israeli officials, who are known as victims of genocide, have now turned into murderers," the Turkish president stated.

He reiterated that Palestine must become an independent state.

"If we prioritize the two-state solution, the Gaza issue and threats will disappear. Excluding Hamas is not a realistic scenario," Erdogan said, adding:

"We have reached a point with our interlocutors that the Gaza issue can no longer be discussed without a two-state solution."

He also reiterated that he believes the Palestinian group Hamas is not a terrorist organization.

"I stand by my earlier position. Regardless of what anyone says, I cannot accept Hamas as a terrorist group," Erdogan said.

He said that Turkey believes that in these difficult moments, it is crucial to find an opportunity for lasting peace again.