Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erodgan has called Zionism a “crime against humanity” and said that “Islamophobia [should] be considered a crime against humanity.”

Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people have a right to a nation on the land that the Bible designates as the nation of Israel.

Erodgan’s comments at the United Nations were quickly condemned by the United States, Israel and the U.N.

“[It is] unfortunate that such hurtful and divisive comments were uttered at a meeting being held under the theme of responsible leadership,” read a statement from U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who is headed to Turkey after talks in Ankara on the Syrian crisis, is expected to raise the issue with Erodgan.

“The characterization of Zionism as a crime against humanity… is offensive and wrong,” National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor told reporters.