The news comes as the latest show of support by Palestinians, after Turkish flags were waved in Palestinian demonstrations throughout the West Bank to express solidarity with the participants of the flotilla. Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal also praised Turkey’s prime minister, and called on all Arab leaders to follow his example…

The baby’s father said his admiration began when the Turkish prime minister spoke out determinedly against the Israeli attack on Gaza, Operation Cast Lead, and especially when he left the hall during the Davos conference, when Israel’s President Shimon Peres rose to speak.

“Erdogan… emphasizes his Islamic roots,” he continued excitedly. “His positions have caused an increase in the morale of Gaza Strip residents and stressed the need to lift the siege immediately, especially when he specifically said that Hamas is not a terror organization.”