Ahmet Yeşiltepe, who said 'I am worried about civilians in Israel being harmed,' apologizes

As Iran's attack on Israel, which began yesterday evening, continues, Ahmet Yeşiltepe evaluated Iran's missile strike on Israel. Yeşiltepe faced backlash for expressing concerns about potential civilian harm in Israel. He apologized, stating that his words were taken out of context.

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Ahmet Yeşiltepe, who said 'I am worried about civilians in Israel being harmed,' apologizes

Iran launched a retaliatory attack on Israel yesterday evening with hundreds of missiles. As explosions and sirens were heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, initial reports indicated that Iran fired nearly 500 missiles, including some that exceeded the speed of sound. Evaluating this attack during an NTV broadcast, Ahmet Yeşiltepe "I am worried that civilians could be harmed" drew backlash with his words. Yeşiltepe apologized, stating that his remarks were taken out of context.

In the region where the whole world has turned its eyes, Iranian missiles struck Israel's capital, Tel Aviv. At that time, people in Turkey were also glued to their screens, following the developments. As the topic was being discussed live on NTV, the remarks of NTV Foreign News Editor Ahmet Yeşiltepe drew criticism.

"I AM WORRIED THAT CIVILIANS COULD BE HARMED"

Yeşiltepe's "It is not right to say, 'Israel did this, so it deserved this' in response to these images. Ultimately, the ones who get hurt are civilians, but even if they target military objectives, there will be missiles that go astray, meaning they have deviated. I am worried that a large number of civilians could be harmed by the impact of missiles exploding over Tel Aviv or hitting residential areas on the ground." remarks were met with backlash on social media, with users pointing to Israel's attacks on Gaza.

"MY WORDS WERE TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT"

Following the backlash, Yeşiltepe issued an apology. Stating that everyone who follows him knows he acts with fairness, Yeşiltepe noted that his words were taken out of context.

Making a statement on his social media account, Yeşiltepe used the following expressions:

"An explanation is needed;

I am a broadcaster who has been saying from the very beginning in the Turkish press that crimes against humanity are being committed in Gaza and that this crime is 'genocide'.

I strive to be the voice of Palestine and the victimized people of Gaza every day; everyone who watches me knows this.

Those who do not watch, of course, do not know!

"I APOLOGIZE TO EVERYONE"

As Iranian missiles were falling, I also stated at the beginning and end of the broadcast that the ones responsible for the death of 'innocent civilians' are the Zionist regime and the blood-stained Netanyahu. I explain that Israel is responsible for all the suffering by recounting the historical process.

Even though it was taken out of context, I apologize to everyone I have upset or offended with this statement.

Those who know my past, my personality, and my broadcasting, those who know me, will understand that I am deeply saddened by criticisms that do not align with 'fairness'."

An explanation is needed;
I am a broadcaster who has been saying from the very beginning in the Turkish press that crimes against humanity are being committed in Gaza and that this crime is 'genocide'.
I strive to be the voice of Palestine and the victimized people of Gaza every day; everyone who watches me knows this.
Those who do not watch...
— Ahmet Yeşiltepe (@ahmetyesiltepe) October 1, 2024