Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for his stance on Gaza which has seen the Spanish leader emerging as an outspoken critic of Israel, AFP reports.

“Sanchez has pursued a principled and consistent policy from day one (of the war) and has a special place in the hearts of the entire Turkish nation,” Erdogan said, hailing the Spanish leader for his approach to the ongoing conflict.

“In the name of my people, I congratulate” Sanchez for his attitude, he said on an official visit to Spain as the two leaders opened an economic forum in Madrid.

Erdogan, who has taken a very strong stance in support of the Palestinians and Gaza’s Hamas leader, once again accused Israel of committing “genocide” in the tiny territory which “hurts everyone with a conscience”.

“We are faced with an (Israeli) arrogance that responds even to ceasefire calls with bloodshed,” he said.