Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of using regional conflicts as pretexts to justify its escalating “occupation and expansion”, Anadolu reports.

“Just like at the beginning of the last century, an insidious plan to draw borders in our region with blood has been put into practice,” Erdogan said, speaking at a ruling party event in Istanbul, apparently referring to imperialist plans at the end of World War I.

Saying that Israel citing Hamas, Hezbollah, Yemen, Syria, and Iran is “merely an excuse,” Erdogan added: “The Israeli government comes up with new justifications daily to legitimise its occupation and invasion policies.”

Erdogan said Western nations are ignoring Israel’s actions due to their guilt over the Holocaust. He called on Israel’s unconditional supporters to act “rationally” and stop enabling its actions. “Otherwise, the fire ignited by the bloodthirsty Israeli government will burn not only this region and the people living here, but also you,” he warned.