Ruling AK Party’s spox Omer Celik accuses Israel of triggering regional war

Ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party)’s spokesperson Omer Celik on Wednesday said that “Israel has pulled the first trigger to start a regional war.”

He made statements on TGRT Haber, a Turkish broadcasting TV channel, regarding the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Celik described the action as a declaration of intent by Israel, saying: “Haniyeh’s assassination in another country in this manner is a declaration of the Netanyahu government’s intent to turn this issue into a regional war.”

Celik also mentioned that Israel attacked Lebanon yesterday (July 30) and Iran (July 31) today, highlighting that there was not even a condemnation message from the U.S.

“There is not even a condemnation message from the U.S. It says, ‘If Israel is attacked, we are ready to protect it.’ The issue is not how to protect Israel. The issue is how the regional countries will be protected from Israel. This is the fundamental issue,” he stated.

Was US involved?

Recalling Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech before the U.S. Congress, Celik pointed out the possibility that the assassination approval came from the U.S., noting: “Where did this assassination approval come from? That day, Netanyahu said in the American Congress, ‘Give us the tools we need, let’s finish the job quickly.’”

Celik asserted that after the speech in Congress, it was clear that this event would occur, saying: “So, someone who should be condemned is asking for more weapons to kill more children, asking for more weapons to kill more women, and is being applauded there.”

Addressing Netanyahu’s statement that “the regional map will change,” Celik indicated that a new phase has begun, adding that “Israel has pulled the first trigger to start a regional war. It has made a declaration of intent.”

Türkiye advocates peace

When asked if this was an attempt to trigger World War III, Celik responded: “We see that they are aiming for this. The key to world peace is Middle East peace. The key to Middle East peace is Palestinian peace. International institutions need to take initiative.”

“Otherwise, the risks you mentioned apply to the whole world. Therefore, we must advocate for peace until the end,” Celik said, highlighting Türkiye’s stance on peace.

The AK Party spokesperson concluded that the incident would surely affect the foreign policy.