In a shocking turn of events, Turkish lawmaker Hasan Bitmez suffered a medical emergency during a parliamentary session.
During a heated speech in Turkey's parliament, Hasan Bitmez, an Islamist party politician, collapsed and was subsequently hospitalized in serious condition.
Hasan Bitmez, a member of Turkey's Islamist party Saddet, was delivering an intense anti-Israel speech in the General Assembly Hall of Ankara. At the climax of his speech, where he condemned Israel with fervent words, Bitmez collapsed onto the floor, leading to immediate panic in the assembly.
Footage from the scene shows the unexpected and dramatic moment when Bitmez, right after uttering his final words against Israel, falls to the ground. This incident shocked the assembly, with members rushing to his aid.
Among the first to assist Bitmez were Turhan Çömez, a political rival and trained doctor. He provided emergency medical attention, performing chest compressions before Bitmez was urgently removed from the building.
Following his collapse, Bitmez was swiftly transported to Bilkent City Hospital. Upon arrival, he was reported to be in critical condition, raising concerns about his health among colleagues and the public alike.
Turkish Health Minister Dr. Fahrettin Koca later remarked that Bitmez seemed "disturbed" during his speech. The Minister's statement hinted at a possible underlying health issue that may have contributed to the lawmaker's sudden collapse.
Furthermore, the Health Minister disclosed that Bitmez was receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a clear indication of the seriousness of his condition.
Bitmez's speech came at a time of fluctuating relations between Turkey and Israel. Despite the recent normalization of ties in 2022, tensions had escalated following attacks on Israel by Hamas in October. Bitmez's strong rhetoric reflected ongoing tensions over Israeli-Palestinian issues.
With Turkey having a predominantly Muslim population of 99.8%, such issues resonate deeply in Turkish politics, particularly among Islamist parties like Saddet, to which Bitmez belongs.
The role of Islamist parties and their views on Israeli-Palestinian relations remains a contentious topic in Turkish politics, often leading to intense debates and strong public statements from politicians like Bitmez.
"We can perhaps hide from our conscience but not from history. Israel will suffer the wrath of Allah.”
The incident has sparked a range of reactions across the political spectrum in Turkey. While some have expressed concern for Bitmez's well-being, others have debated the impact of his words on Turkey's delicate relationship with Israel.
The event also highlights the potential health risks politicians face due to the high-pressure nature of their work, especially during intense public speaking engagements.
How this incident will affect the already fragile Turkey-Israel relations remains to be seen. It brings to light the delicate balance between political rhetoric and diplomatic relations in a region fraught with historical and ongoing tensions.
As Hasan Bitmez lies in the ICU, the nation and the international community wait for updates on his condition. The impact of his speech and subsequent collapse reverberates beyond the walls of Turkey's parliament, raising questions about health, politics, and international relations.
