In a recent development, Israel has recalled its diplomats from Turkey after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of acting like a "war criminal." The statement was made during a pro-Palestinian rally in Istanbul, where thousands of demonstrators gathered to show their support for the Palestinian cause.

The Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, swiftly responded to President Erdogan's remarks by ordering the return of diplomats from Turkey. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, defended his country's actions, asserting that Israel possesses "the most moral army in the world."

The escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey come amid an expansion of Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip. This comes weeks after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people and the taking of 229 hostages. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims that more than 7,500 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory strikes by Israel.

President Erdogan, addressing a large crowd of Palestinian supporters, placed the blame for the unfolding "massacre" in Gaza on the West. He accused Israel of committing war crimes for the past 22 days and attempting to "eradicate" Palestinians. The Turkish leader criticized Western leaders for their lack of action and called for an immediate ceasefire.

Shortly after President Erdogan's speech, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen announced the recall of diplomatic representatives from Turkey for a re-evaluation of the bilateral relations. Prime Minister Netanyahu firmly rejected the accusations of war crimes and asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were taking precautions to protect innocent civilians. He further accused Hamas of using their people as human shields and committing crimes against humanity.

Israel and Turkey have a history of strained relations. In 2010, Turkey severed diplomatic ties with Israel after clashes between Israeli commandos and pro-Palestinian Turkish activists resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals on a Turkish-owned ship attempting to break the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip. While relations were restored in 2016, the two countries expelled each other's top diplomats in 2018 over Israel's actions during protests along the Gaza-Israel border.

Turkey, unlike countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, does not consider Hamas a terrorist organization. It has offered support to Hamas and hosts its members, advocating for a two-state solution.

As tensions escalate between Israel and Turkey, the international community closely watches the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The recall of Israeli diplomats from Turkey further highlights the deep divisions between the two nations and the challenges faced in finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.