The Turkish president has denounced Israel’s plan to create a demilitarised buffer zone in Gaza, saying even discussing such an idea is “disrespectful to Palestinians”, Al Jazeera reports.

Speaking to reporters, Recep Tayyip Erdogan also reiterated that Gaza’s future should be in the hands of Palestinians and defended Hamas as a legitimate resistance force.

He also warned Israel against going after any Hamas members on Turkish soil, saying it would “pay a heavy price” for doing so.