Germany’s Scholz says he’ll meet Turkish President Erdogan on Friday

BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he will host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Berlin on Friday for talks on the Middle East turmoil and other international issues.

“I spoke to President Erdogan on the phone, and as you may well know, I will be meeting him on Friday,” Scholz told lawmakers on Wednesday during a question-and-answer session in the parliament.

Scholz said they will be discussing various issues, including “their different views” on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“It is also very important that there is clarity on this issue, and that we are very clear about our own position,” he added.

Turkish President Erdogan slammed Western governments on Wednesday for turning a blind eye to the civilian deaths and sufferings caused by Israel’s military strikes in Gaza.

Chancellor Scholz has repeatedly said Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas, and opposed calls for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

But he is facing growing criticism at home for providing blanket support to Israel, and claiming that the Israeli government is complying with international law.

The Human Rights Watch sharply criticized Scholz on Wednesday, and said Tel Aviv is clearly violating international law by its military campaign.

“It has stopped electricity and water for 2.2 million residents in Gaza and carried out attacks that violate international law - including on hospitals. All of these are war crimes,” the group said on social media, adding that the crimes are documented.