Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a scathing attack on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday, demanding an apology for his refusal to accept an invitation to speak before the Turkish parliament in Ankara.
"Mahmoud Abbas, who didn't show up despite our invitation to address the parliament, owes us an apology. Let's see if he'll agree to come now," Erdogan said during a charity event.
The Turkish president's remarks expose the growing rift between Ramallah and Ankara, following Turkey's unified stance with the Hamas terrorist organization, the PA's political rival. Erdogan has also repeatedly hosted senior Hamas officials since Oct. 7.
In the same speech, he condemned the United States for allowing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress. "We all witnessed the shameful spectacle in the House of Representatives. Frankly, we are embarrassed for humanity in light of what we saw there. They rolled out the red carpet for someone like Netanyahu and applauded him until their hands were sore."
Erdogan reiterated his unfounded claim that Israel "destroying" the Gaza Strip, Israel "will turn its gaze to Turkey."
