Turkish MP Dies in Parliament After Heart Attack During Anti-Government Speech

In a tragic turn of events, Turkish opposition Member of Parliament Hassan Bitmez passed away two days after suffering a heart attack and collapsing in parliament. The incident occurred as Bitmez was concluding a speech critical of the government's policy toward Israel.

As reported by Reuters, the 54-year-old MP from the Islamist Saadet party experienced a heart attack and collapsed while standing at the podium on Tuesday. Bitmez had been outspoken in his criticism of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party (AKP) for maintaining trade ties with Israel amidst the conflict in Gaza.

During his speech, Bitmez accused the AKP of complicity with Israel, stating, "You allow ships to sail to Israel and shamelessly call it trade... You are accomplices of Israel." After delivering his remarks, he suddenly fell backward, prompting fellow deputies to rush to his aid.

Bitmez was later pronounced dead at Ankara City Hospital, according to Health Minister Fahrettin Koca. Angiography revealed that the two main veins in his heart were completely blocked.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Turkey and Israel. Erdogan had previously criticized the United States for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Reports had also circulated about Turkey warning Israeli intelligence against targeting members of the Hamas group on its soil.

It is noteworthy that President Erdogan has consistently criticized Israel for its actions in the Gaza Strip. Recent media reports suggested that the United States would demand Turkey's compliance with American sanctions against certain Russian entities and financial activities linked to Hamas. The circumstances surrounding Bitmez's death add a somber note to the ongoing political and diplomatic complexities in the region.