Erdogan's Germany Visit Overshadowed by Israel-Hamas Conflict

Turkish President and German Chancellor set to discuss contentious issues amid differing views on Middle East conflict and upcoming Turkish elections.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits Germany for talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, marking his first visit since 2020.
A key point of contention between the two leaders is their differing views on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Erdogan criticizing Israel's actions and referring to Hamas as 'liberators', while Scholz defends Israel's right to defend itself.
Other topics expected to be discussed during the talks include Sweden's accession to NATO, which Turkey had initially objected to, and migration issues, with the EU considering Turkey a key ally in efforts to control arrivals at the bloc's external borders.
Erdogan's visit comes ahead of Turkey's municipal elections next year, where his ruling Justice and Development Party hopes to retake Ankara and Istanbul.
The visit is overshadowed by Erdogan's recent comments against Israel, which have been met with criticism in Germany, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.