ANKARA, Turkey — Israel's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid ship has ignited unprecedented anger in Turkey and driven the Jewish state's relations with its most important Muslim ally to their lowest point in six decades.
There are signs, however, that the countries' long-term strategic alliance and military ties will endure.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan furiously told parliament Tuesday that the "bloody massacre" of at least four Turkish activists among nine passengers slain by Israeli naval commandos was a turning point in the long-standing alliance.
"Nothing will be the same again," Erdogan said, gesturing angrily, his voice shaking at times.
Thousands of Turks staged protests across the country and pockets of demonstrators shouted "down with Israel!" near the Israeli ambassador's residence — an unusual sight in one of the capital's richest districts.
The pro-Islamic newspaper Yeni Safak described the Israeli troops as "The children of Hitler" in a banner headline.
