Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has likened Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler, drawing parallels between Israel’s attacks on Gaza and the Nazi’s genocide of Jews, according to recent reporting in Al Jazeera.

Erdogan made these remarks during an awards ceremony in Ankara, questioning the difference between Netanyahu and Hitler. He also criticized the West’s support for Israel, particularly from the United States.

Erdogan’s comments come amidst escalating criticism of Israel from Turkey, a shift from the previously growing ties between the two nations. This change in stance follows the devastating humanitarian impact of Israel’s assault on Gaza, which has sparked widespread regional outrage.

In response, Netanyahu highlighted Turkey’s own alleged human rights abuses, particularly against the Kurds and journalists. Despite the harsh criticism, Turkey continues to maintain commercial ties with Israel.

Israel’s assault on Gaza, which began on October 7, has resulted in over 21,000 deaths, 55,000 injuries, and the displacement of nearly the entire 2.3 million population. The attacks were initiated following an assault on southern Israel by the Palestinian armed group Hamas, which resulted in over 1,100 deaths and approximately 240 captives.

Read more at Al Jazeera.