Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with a high-ranking Hamas delegation in Ankara on Wednesday, marking his first official engagement with the group since the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The meeting underscores Türkiye’s ongoing relationship with Hamas, despite international scrutiny and differing stances among NATO allies.
Türkiye’s ties with Hamas
Unlike many Western nations, Türkiye does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organisation. President Erdogan has historically maintained close ties with the group, offering political and diplomatic support. His government has frequently criticised Israeli military actions in Gaza and has positioned itself as an advocate for Palestinian rights on the global stage.
Erdogan’s latest meeting with Hamas leadership comes in the wake of a fragile ceasefire, brokered after months of intense conflict in Gaza. The Turkish government has repeatedly condemned Israeli airstrikes and military incursions, calling for a lasting political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Details of the meeting
A brief statement from the Turkish presidency confirmed that Erdogan met with a Hamas delegation, including senior leader Mohammed Darwish and other members of the group’s leadership council, in the Turkish capital. However, specific details of the discussions were not disclosed.
A photograph released from the meeting showed the presence of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, suggesting the talks involved high-level diplomatic and security considerations.
While neither side publicly revealed the agenda, analysts speculate that the discussions likely covered the ceasefire’s sustainability, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and Hamas’s political future.
Regional and international reactions
Erdogan’s engagement with Hamas has drawn mixed reactions from the international community. While Türkiye maintains that Hamas is a legitimate political entity representing Palestinian interests, several NATO members, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation due to its history of armed attacks against Israel.
Israel has repeatedly criticised Türkiye for providing political and financial support to Hamas, accusing Ankara of undermining regional stability. Israeli officials have in the past expressed concerns that Türkiye serves as a safe haven for Hamas leaders and facilitates its international operations.
On the other hand, Türkiye’s outreach to Hamas is welcomed by some Arab and Muslim-majority countries that view Ankara as a counterbalance to Israeli influence in the region. Qatar, another key supporter of Hamas, has also engaged in diplomatic efforts to support the group’s political standing.
What this means for Türkiye’s Foreign policy
Erdogan’s decision to meet Hamas officials so soon after the ceasefire signals Türkiye’s intent to remain an influential player in Palestinian affairs. The Turkish president has long positioned himself as a defender of Palestinian rights, frequently using strong rhetoric against Israeli policies.
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However, this stance places Türkiye at odds with some of its Western allies, particularly as the country seeks to improve relations with the United States and the European Union on other geopolitical matters. Türkiye’s balancing act between its commitments to NATO and its support for Hamas continues to shape its foreign policy dynamics.
Looking ahead
With Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsening, Türkiye is expected to continue advocating for increased aid and reconstruction efforts. Erdogan’s government has previously provided financial assistance and medical support to Palestinians and will likely push for more international involvement in post-war recovery.
The broader question remains: will Türkiye’s engagement with Hamas influence future peace efforts, or will it deepen the divide between Ankara and its Western allies? As the situation in Gaza remains fragile, Türkiye’s diplomatic moves will be closely watched by regional and global powers.
