Erdogan says 'God willing' to 'Jerusalem ours' slogans

The Turkish President, who has Islamist roots in politics, has declared Jerusalem as a “red line” for Muslims.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeled Israel as “a state of terror” during a convention with his supporters on Sunday over his American counterpart Donald Trump’s controversial decision to move the US embassy in Tel Aviv to the disputed Jerusalem.

The move meant a US recognition of the ancient city—considered holy by the adherents of the three Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—as Israel’s capital.

“Palestine has been under occupation since 1947. Israel is an occupying state. Israel is a state of terror. Oh, Trump, we will not make the mistake you did,” Erdogan said.

“Trump’s decision is null and void,” he added, according to state media.

With maps showing territorial changes in the land, Erdogan was addressing a convention of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the Sivas Province.

“Jerusalem is ours, and shall remain so,” shouted AKP delegates and supporters during Erdogan’s speech.

“Inshallah. Inshallah! [God willing],” he said in response.

The Turkish President, who has Islamist roots in politics and champions himself as a voice for the oppressed, has declared Jerusalem as a “red line” for Muslims.

Since its foundation, Israel views Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital while the Palestinians demand the Israeli-occupied eastern sector of the city to be the capital of an independent state of their own.

“We will not leave Jerusalem to the mercy of a child-killer country,” Erdogan continued.

Despite repeated diplomatic and rhetorical confrontations during much of Erdogan’s tenure, Ankara maintains decades-old robust commercial and military ties with Israel.

But, Turkey also backs Palestinian statehood and does not shy away from hosting Hamas leaders who the US and Israel label as “terrorists.”

Earlier this week, the Turkish President threatened to cut off diplomatic relations with Israel, should Trump sign the executive order authorizing the move of the American embassy to Jerusalem.

After Trump’s move, thousands of people poured onto the streets across Turkey in protest, including Ankara and Istanbul where they demonstrated in front of the US and Israeli diplomatic missions.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim claimed the US decision was similar to the Kurdistan Region’s Sep. 25 independence referendum, on the grounds most countries opposed both decisions.

 

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany