Israel summons Turkish deputy ambassador over flag at half mast

Earlier today, the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv lowered its flag to half mast in tribute to Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh ahead of his burial in Qatar.

Turkey is observing a day of mourning on Friday for the killing of Haniyeh, as announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday. 

"In order to show our support for the Palestinian cause and our solidarity with our Palestinian brothers, a one-day national mourning has been declared tomorrow (August 2), Friday over the martyrdom of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh," Erdogan said on X.

Israeli Foreign Minister Isreal Katz said on X that he has summoned Turkey’s deputy ambassador to Israel for a “stern reprimand” over the gesture.

Lowering official flags to half mast is traditionally a sign of respect, marking solemn occasions.