US hosts ‘Hitler of our age’ Netanyahu without shame: Erdoğan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sharply criticized the United States for hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent speech to Congress, calling Netanyahu “the Hitler of our age” and accusing the US of hypocrisy regarding human rights.

Speaking at an event on Friday, Erdoğan condemned the warm reception Netanyahu received during his address to Congress, where he was met with prolonged applause.

“The whole world watched as a genocidal killer was applauded in the US Congress,” Erdoğan said.

Erdoğan’s remarks followed Netanyahu’s hour-long speech in Washington on Wednesday, which sparked controversy and drew protests from thousands who opposed his policies on Gaza.

During his speech Netanyahu was received with standing ovations from members of Congress.

However, his speech was also met with protests. Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib held up signs reading “War Criminal” and “Guilty of Genocide” during Netanyahu’s address, and many members of congress did not attend the session in protest.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington to oppose Netanyahu’s Gaza policies. Demonstrators closed Pennsylvania Avenue, carrying signs with messages such as “Ceasefire now in Gaza,” “Genocidal Bibi” and “Free Palestine.” The protests were held under heavy police security, preventing demonstrators from approaching the Capitol.

“Those who lecture the world on human rights have no shame in welcoming the Hitler of our age as a hero,” Erdoğan said.

Erdoğan also pointed out the ongoing violence since October 7, including the killing of children and women, and criticized the US for celebrating a leader he holds responsible for these atrocities. “Instead of stopping the massacres, they honor a butcher with the blood of 150,000 people on his hands. This is a complete collapse of reason and conscience,” he added.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began on October 7 following an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, has led to significant casualties and devastation.

There is a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza resulting from Israel’s bombings and blockade, which have deprived the population of essentials such as food, water, fuel, electricity and medical supplies. The death toll is estimated to be close to 50,000 when factoring in those buried under rubble and secondary deaths due to the ongoing conflict.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel in January to refrain from all acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure that its troops do not commit genocidal acts against Palestinians after South Africa accused Israel of state-directed genocide in Gaza.