Israel Reprimands Turkish Ambassador Over Flag Gesture

Israel's foreign ministry has summoned the deputy Turkish ambassador for a reprimand after Turkey's embassy in Tel Aviv lowered its flag to half-mast in mourning for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned the act, stating that Israel would not tolerate mourning for a figure he labeled a 'murderer.' Haniyeh's assassination has been attributed to Israeli actions by Iran and its allies, which has led to increased tensions between Israel and Turkey. The Turkish Foreign Ministry responded, asserting that peace cannot be achieved through violence against negotiators. This incident occurs amid deteriorating relations between the two nations, which had recently shown signs of normalization. In Turkey, national mourning for Haniyeh included symbolic funeral prayers attended by high-ranking officials, further straining diplomatic ties.