Turkish President Erdogan Hosts Hamas Leader Amid Tensions with Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to host the leader of Palestinian group Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, in Turkey this weekend. The meeting will take place at the Dolmabahce palace in Istanbul on Saturday. This will be the second time that the two leaders meet, having last met in July 2023 at the presidential palace in Ankara alongside Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.

Erdogan has been a vocal critic of Israel, particularly since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza that was sparked by an attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023. This attack resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, most of whom were civilians according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a ground and air offensive that has resulted in the deaths of at least 33,899 people in Gaza, mainly women and children.

Despite criticism from some countries and organizations, Erdogan has maintained friendly ties with Hamas leader Haniyeh who is based in Qatar. Last week, Erdogan offered Haniyeh condolences for the loss of his three sons and some grandchildren in an Israeli strike in Gaza. Erdogan has accused Israel of being a “terrorist state” and of carrying out a “genocide” in Gaza. He has referred to Hamas as “liberators” or “mujahideen” fighting for their land.

This meeting between Erdogan and Haniyeh comes at a time when tensions between Turkey and Israel are high over various issues including Syria and Cyprus. It remains to be seen what impact this meeting will have on relations between the two countries but one thing is certain: it will be closely watched by both sides and by international community as well.