(MENAFN) In a provocative statement on Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned of a possible Turkish invasion of Israel in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Speaking at a rally for his Justice and Development Party (AKP), Erdogan asserted that Turkey could consider military action similar to its past interventions in other regions.

Erdogan's remarks reflect his long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. He emphasized that Turkey must remain strong to prevent Israeli actions against Palestine. Drawing parallels with Turkey’s past military interventions in the Libyan civil war and the recent conflict in the Azerbaijani region of Karabakh, Erdogan suggested that Turkey might take similar actions if necessary. His comments included a stark warning, “There’s nothing we can’t do. We have to be strong,” indicating that Turkey could potentially enter the Israeli territory if the situation demands.

The Turkish president’s rhetoric highlights the heightened tensions in the region, particularly with the ongoing low-intensity conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah. The situation has been escalating in the wake of the Gaza conflict, and Erdogan's threats add a new layer of complexity to the already volatile dynamics.

Previously, Erdogan had not openly threatened direct military action against Israel, making this recent statement a significant departure from his usual diplomatic rhetoric. The possibility of Turkish military involvement would not only intensify the conflict but also alter the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

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