US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert commented on Turkey recalling its ambassador from Washington after the US embassy to Israel was moved to Jerusalem.
"We’re aware that Turkey has recalled its ambassador. That is within Turkey’s right to do so. And I don’t see that as diminishing our relationship with the Government of Turkey. They continue to be an important NATO ally," Nauert said, adding that they look forward to their next conversations with the government.
At least 61 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds wounded in protests at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel on the same day the U.S. fulfills its controversial promise to move its embassy to the contested city of Jerusalem.
Turkey recalled its ambassadors to the US and Israel in an official protest. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that "what Israel is doing is a genocide."
