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Ankara: In possibly the harshest criticism towards Israel yet, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said that history will ultimately judge Israel for the "black stain it is leaving on humanity".
He reminded the Jewish nation of its own history.
The Jewish nation 'has suffered much in history and should know best the sanctity of human life, especially that of women and children... and the importance of the culture of co-existence," he said.
He renewed his call for an end to the Israeli offensive and said although Hamas has responsibility in halting attacks, the Israeli reaction has been absolutely disproportionate. Turkey's frenetic diplomacy to win a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas reflects its new-found clout in the Middle East and is also driven to appease a public opinion infuriated by the mounting death toll of civilians.
Turkey, a predominantly Muslim but secular country with good ties with Israel, has been playing a busy role in trying to bridge Arab division and broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Diplomatic offensive
Since Israel began its war 12 days ago, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has visited Arab leaders in Syria, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. He has kept in touch with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and has sent his foreign minister to the United Nations, where Turkey starts a two-year term as member of the Security Council.
Drawing on Ankara's unique range of contacts, Turkish officials have also met Hamas leaders in Damascus. Ankara has offered to convey any Hamas ceasefire proposal to the UN.
As hundreds of thousands of Turks have taken to the streets to condemn the Israeli assault, Erdogan shocked close ally Israel by dubbing its operations "a crime against humanity," in language that paled even to that used by Arab leaders.
Ankara's diplomatic offensive is in line with its growing regional diplomatic status and closer ties to the Middle East since Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party took office in 2002.
But it also underlines its delicate balancing act. A Nato member which aspires to join the European Union, Muslim Turkey has positioned itself as a mediator in a tough neighborhood.
"Turkey has leverage in the Middle East because of its growing ties with Arab countries and its relationship with Israel, but it cannot redefine the power game in the region," said Fadi Hakura, from the London-based Chatham House.
"Turkish diplomacy reflects its growing influence in the region, but it is also driven by domestic reasons. Turks are united in their disapproval toward Israel," Hakura said. Turkey, a close US ally, has strong military and strategic ties with Israel. Sales of Israeli military equipment to Turkey is estimated at $100 million (about Dh365 million) annually and the two countries share vital security intelligence.
Despite Erdogan's harsh criticism of Israel and street protests, analysts do not expect a damage in relations between Israel and Turkey. Speaking to parliament on Tuesday, Erdogan said the strategic importance of Turkish-Israeli relations should overcome disagreements and "emotional exchange of words."
"I would like to remind those who call for Turkey to freeze ties with Israel that we administer the republic of Turkey, not a grocery market," Erdogan told parliament.
Turkey to form force
A Middle Eastern diplomat says Turkey will be given the task of constructing an international force for Gaza.
The diplomat says "Turkey is the best choice given its involvement in several peacekeeping missions in the Middle East." The diplomat is familiar with Turkey's efforts to end the conflict and spoke on condition of anonymity. It was not clear what role the force would play in Gaza. Turkish officials were not immediately available for comment.
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