Turkey Embassy Honors Hamas Leader, Sparks Outrage

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has ignited controversy by declaring a day of mourning for Ismail Haniyeh, the deceased leader of Hamas. This decision led to Turkish flags being lowered to half-mast in various locations, including the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv, which prompted a swift response from Israeli officials. Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, summoned the deputy Turkish ambassador for a "severe reprimand," emphasizing that Israel would not tolerate mourning for someone they label a "murderer." The incident has drawn significant attention on social media, with images purportedly showing Turkish flags at half-mast in cities like Washington, D.C. However, these images have not been independently verified. Haniyeh was reportedly killed in an attack involving a bomb planted in the visitor quarters of his location in Tehran, as reported by the New York Times. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's death, it has previously taken credit for other high-profile attacks, such as the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut. In the wake of Haniyeh's death, Iran, along with Hamas and Hezbollah, has accused Israel of orchestrating the attack and has vowed to retaliate. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the complex dynamics surrounding the relationships between Turkey, Israel, and militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.