Turkey has officially cut ties with Israel, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced in a significant diplomatic shift reported by Turkish media. “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 stated, according to Medya Ege. His remarks came during a conversation with journalists aboard his plane, following recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, where he expressed his strong condemnation of what he described as "genocide" in Gaza and Lebanon.

Erdogan stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid and called for an immediate ceasefire, signalling a determined stance against Israel’s actions. He explained that “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.” Erdogan’s message also highlighted Turkey’s advocacy for international bodies, such as the United Nations, to enhance efforts ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid to the conflict-stricken areas.

Although Erdogan’s comments mark a clear diplomatic escalation, the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv remains operational as of the latest reports, and Israeli authorities have not yet issued a formal response.

Erdogan’s decision comes at a time when Turkey is intensifying its ties with regional powers, notably Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. His recent visits to both nations are widely viewed as part of a broader strategy to recalibrate Turkey’s foreign policy and strengthen its influence in the Middle East. By distancing Turkey from Israel, Erdogan is signalling a realignment toward countries that share critical views on Israeli policies.

Erdogan has long championed the Palestinian cause, a cornerstone of his foreign policy for over a decade. His government has frequently condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza and consistently pushed for stronger international measures to hold Israel accountable. His firm stance has struck a chord with many across the Muslim world, reinforcing Turkey’s position as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights.

This diplomatic shift could have far-reaching consequences for Turkey’s relations with Western allies, especially the United States. At the same time, it underscores Erdogan’s determination to play a leading role in the Middle East’s shifting geopolitical landscape. By officially severing ties with Israel, Turkey is reinforcing its commitment to the Palestinian cause while carving out a more assertive position within regional affairs.