PM Erdogan: "No one can test Turkey's patience"

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan cut his trip short following Israel’s deadly attack on the humanitarian boats early Monday. Calling the Israeli raid on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla a “bloody massacre,” Erdogan warned Israel not to test his country’s patience, saying, “Turkey’s hostility was as strong as its friendship is valuable.” In his remarks, Erdogan cast himself in his favored regional role of savior, leader and beacon of democratic rights. Recalling his 2008 spat with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Davos, where he accused Israelis “of knowing well how to kill,” the Turkish prime minister said, “They once again showed their ability to perpetrate slaughters.” “It is no longer possible to cover up or ignore Israel’s lawlessness. This bloody massacre by Israel on ships that were taking humanitarian aid to Gaza deserves every kind of curse,” he said. “This attack is on international law, the conscience of humanity and world peace. Israel in no way can legitimize this murder. It cannot wash its hand of this blood.” Emphasizing Turkey’s determination to extend its hand to Palestinians, no matter the conditions, he added: “We will not turn our back on Palestine, Palestinians and Gaza, even if nobody backs them. Once again we call on Israel to immediately end its inhumane blockade of Gaza.” In related news, prior to his parliamentary speech, Erdogan held meetings with his top aides and representatives of the country’s security institutions, including deputy prime ministers Bulent Arinc and Cemil Ciçek, Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head Hakan Fidan and Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Aslan Guner.