UPDATE - Israel is a Zionist terrorist organization: Turkish president

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT

By Yasin Gungor and Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said Israel, which continues to bombard Gaza and Lebanon, is a "Zionist terrorist organization."

Arguing that last year Israel made a choice between being a state and being a terrorist organization, Erdogan, addressing the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party's meeting in Ankara, said since then it has been acting like a "terrorist organization."

He said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his "murderous network are delusional and embarking on a very dangerous adventure."

The Turkish president warned Israel that its "promised land delusion" would ultimately lead to great disappointment.

He vowed Türkiye will never compromise on its security and let expansionist ambitions in the region come true.

Erdogan also criticized western countries of defending cease-fire on stage, while continuing to provide Israel with weapons.

"History will never forgive those who applaud the monster responsible for the blood of tens of thousands of Palestinian children, women, civilians," he said.

He also called for increased regional dialogue, saying: “Considering the atmosphere in our region, we believe that we need to talk more, we need reconciliation."

Erdogan saluted Palestinian resilience in the last year, saying: "We know very, very well that the Palestinian people are also defending humanity, defending the dignity of Muslims."

Israel continues its air and ground attacks into Lebanon, while also conducting strikes in Gaza, where it has killed over 41,000 Palestinians since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas incursion.