WATCH: Russian drone attacks Ukraine's Sumy in broad daylight.

German Chancellor Merz in Ankara, Türkiye:

I want to send a message from Ankara: Let’s make better use of the extraordinary potential our relationship offers in the coming years.

We are entering a new geopolitical era, where the politics of great powers will be decisive.

My conclusion is this: as a German, as a European, we must strengthen our strategic partnerships.

Türkiye cannot — and must not — remain on the sidelines in this process.

German Chancellor Merz in Ankara, Türkiye:

Germany and Türkiye, as NATO allies, share the same interests.

It is well known in Ankara that Russia’s militant revisionism poses a comprehensive threat to the security of Europe and the Atlantic region.

After receiving Germany’s approval, we are pleased with Türkiye’s decision to acquire 20 Eurofighters.

These aircraft will serve our shared security.

German Chancellor Merz in Ankara, Türkiye:

I, along with the German federal government, want to see Türkiye in the European Union.

German Chancellor Merz:

Germany will always stand by Israel.

German Chancellor Merz:

The children in Gaza were hostages of Hamas.

Turkish President Erdogan:

Hamas has no bombs, no nuclear weapons. But all these weapons are in Israel’s hands.

And Israel, using these weapons, for example just last night, again struck Gaza with these bombs.

Don't you see these things in Germany? Aren't you following them?

Turkish President Erdogan:

By targeting Gaza, they have been trying to subdue it through genocide openly. And this still continues.

Our Red Crescent cannot deliver food aid there.

So far, we have tried to deliver over 100,000 tons of aid, but it is not enough. Continued aid is essential.

WATCH: Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) protest military connoscription and the arrest of draft dodgers in Jerusalem.

NOW: Massive crowds at Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) protest against military connoscription in Jerusalem.

WATCH: Ultra-Orthodox Jewish protesters burn the Israeli flag during the anti-draft rally in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu:

If foreign forces disarm Hamas — fine.

If they don’t, we’ll do it.

🗣 Reporter:

You’ve been supporting Israel. Over 60,000 people, including 20,000+ children, have been killed in Gaza. Is this support because of Germany’s Nazi past? Don’t you fear history will judge you for backing the wrong side again?

🇩🇪 Germany’s Merz:

Germany has stood with Israel since its founding. Germany will always stand with Israel.

🇹🇷 Türkiye’s Erdogan:

They’re bombing Gaza — this is genocide, a campaign to ‘discipline’ people through mass killing.

Germany — don’t you see this? Are you not watching?

A 15-year-old boy fell from a high-rise near the central bus station and was pronounced dead at Jerusalem Haredi protest.

IDF Chief Eyal Zamir:

We’re operating on all fronts, and in some, we’ll soon act with greater force than ever in the past two year.

Turkish President Erdogan hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ankara for talks on Türkiye-EU relations, defense cooperation, and the Gaza crisis.

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French President Macron’s approval rating sinks to a record low of 11%, the lowest for any French president in 50 years.

Source: Verian

A U.S. official said despite Israel’s position, the U.S. wants Türkiye involved in the Gaza force.

“The Turks were very helpful in getting the Gaza deal, and Netanyahu’s bashing of Türkiye has been very counterproductive.”

Source: Barak Ravid