Turkey, South Africa Recall Envoys to Israel, Blaming Jewish State For ‘Genocide,’ ‘Violent Aggression’

Turkey, in the face of violent protests from the formal opening of America’s new embassy in Jerusalem, recalled its ambassadors and declared three days of mourning for the “Palestinians” who were killed during riots.

South Africa pulled its envoys as well.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a blunt statement against Israel, calling the government out for what he said was the furtherance of terror.

From the Times of Israel:

“Israel is wreaking state terror. Israel is a terror state,” Erdogan told Turkish students in London in a speech broadcast by state television. “What Israel has done is a genocide. I condemn this humanitarian drama, the genocide, from whichever side it comes, Israel or America.

“We will continue to stand with Palestinian people with determination,” he added.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said Jerusalem was aware of reports on Turkey’s intention to recall its ambassador but had not received an official notice.

Earlier, South Africa announced similarly — blaming Israel similarly for the violent protests, too.

Again, from the Times of Israel:

South Africa on Monday recalled its ambassador to Israel “until further notice,” in protest of the deaths of at least 55 Palestinians in violent clashes with Israeli troops on the Gaza border earlier in the day.

“The South African government condemns in the strongest terms possible the latest act of violent aggression carried out by Israeli armed forces along the Gaza border‚ which has led to the deaths of over 40 civilians‚” a statement from the country’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said.

“The victims were taking part in peaceful protests against the provocative inauguration of the US Embassy in Jerusalem,” the statement said of the mass protests organized by the Hamas terror movement. “The latest attack has resulted in scores of other Palestinian citizens reported injured, and the wanton destruction of property.”

“Given the indiscriminate and grave manner of the latest Israeli attack‚ the South African government has decided taken a decision to recall Ambassador Sisa Ngombane with immediate effect until further notice‚” it added.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon confirmed that the South African ambassador was recalled “for consultations.” He will leave for Pretoria on Monday night, Nahshon said.