Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has referred to Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, as a "liberation group" trying to protect the Palestinian people. In a speech to his party's legislators, Erdogan criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and described the siege as one of the "bloodiest, most disgusting and most savage attacks in history." He called for an immediate cease-fire, the allowance of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the release of hostages. Erdogan also suggested the establishment of an international peace conference for Israel and the Palestinians. By calling Hamas a "liberation group," Erdogan has drawn criticism for seemingly justifying their acts of terrorism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Erdogan of "misusing goodwill" and canceled plans for a visit by Erdogan to Israel as part of the country's policy of normalizing relations with the Jewish state. Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise as satellite images reveal the destruction caused by Israel's bombings in Gaza, and the United Nations reports that over 613,000 people are now sheltering in UN facilities across the Gaza Strip. Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, and fuel supplies are running low, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the region.