Turkey Issues Stark Warning to Israel After Qatar Airstrike, Citing Regional Disaster Risk

ISTANBUL (AP) — An Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas officials in Qatar has ignited deep concern in Turkey, prompting a stern warning from Ankara that Israel risks dragging the entire region into disaster. Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk, spokesman for the Turkish Defense Ministry, stated on Thursday that Israel’s “reckless attacks” could expand, threatening regional stability, including its own country.

The incident further strains already fraught relations between Turkey and Israel, which have plummeted since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, has been a vocal critic of Israeli actions, accusing the nation of genocide. With Hamas officials regularly visiting and residing in Turkey, Ankara fears it could be Israel’s next target, especially given Israel’s recent strikes in Iran, Syria, Yemen, and now Qatar.

Analysts suggest the strike in Qatar, a close U.S. ally and mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, signals Israel’s willingness to pursue Hamas targets aggressively. This raises anxieties in Ankara about Israel’s ability to operate with impunity and bypass international norms. While Turkey’s NATO membership offers a degree of protection, the government is bolstering its defenses, having recently inaugurated its “Steel Dome” air defense system and fast-tracking fighter jet projects.

Despite diplomatic efforts, including recent talks to establish a de-escalation mechanism in Syria, the potential for conflict remains high. Experts warn that escalating tensions could spill over into Syria, where both Turkey and Israel vie for influence, or even the wider Eastern Mediterranean, potentially drawing Greece and Greek Cypriots closer to Israel. Turkey, while preparing for deterrence, is also engaging in diplomacy, signing a military training agreement with Syria last month. The Qatar strike, however, underscores the unpredictable nature of the current regional climate.

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