ISTANBUL

The use of "brute force against an entire civilian population by an occupying power cannot be legitimized as self-defense," a Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Saturday.

Regarding an X post by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Oncu Keceli said in a statement that "the more Israel oppresses Palestinians and destroys their basic freedoms, the more resistance it will face as many more Palestinians will continue to seek the realization of their collective and individual rights."

"At the core of the current problem lies Israeli occupation, as well as its expansionist mentality and repressive actions that completely ignores law, human rights and universal principles," Keceli said.

Cohen had said earlier that Israel "will free Gaza from Hamas, for the sake of Israel's security and to create a better future for the residents of the region." He added: "You (Türkiye) are welcome to host in your country Hamas terrorists who aren't eliminated and flee from Gaza."