Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called Israel a “Zionist terrorist organisation” over its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, and repeated his criticism of Western powers – namely the United States – over the support given to Israel.

“History will never forgive those who applaud the monster responsible for the blood of tens of thousands of Palestinian children, women, civilians,” said Turkey’s leader.

Speaking to lawmakers from his ruling AK Party in parliament, Erdogan also said the cross-border fire between Israel and Iran in recent days has heightened the risk of a regional conflict.

“Considering the atmosphere in our region, we believe that we need to talk more, we need reconciliation.”