Istanbul – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan expressed his support for Hamas, stating that the group is not a terrorist organization but a liberation group, “Mujahideen”, fighting to protect Palestinian lands and people.
Erdogan made these remarks while addressing lawmakers from his ruling AK Party, urging for an immediate ceasefire between Israeli and Palestinian forces and emphasizing the need for Muslim countries to unite for a lasting peace in the region.
Erdogan asserted, “Hamas is not a terrorist organization; it is a liberation group, ‘mujahideen,’ waging a battle to protect its lands and people.”
He criticized Western powers that have shown support for Israel’s retaliation against Hamas, dismissing their sympathies as fraudulent. His comments have sparked controversy and elicited strong responses from international leaders.
Italy’s deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini, condemned Erdogan’s remarks as “grave and disgusting” and stated that they hindered de-escalation efforts.
Salvini announced his intention to submit a formal protest and summon the Turkish Ambassador in response to Erdogan’s comments.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, referring to it as “a crime against humanity” during his speech in Qatar.
Fidan condemned the targeting of Palestinian civilians, including children, patients, and the elderly, in schools, hospitals, and mosques.
Previously, Turkey had condemned the civilian deaths resulting from Hamas’ attack on October 7 but called on Israel to respond with restraint.
Ankara has strongly denounced Israel’s extensive bombardment of Gaza while offering mediation in the conflict and providing humanitarian aid.
Erdogan accused Israel of taking advantage of Turkey’s goodwill and declared the cancellation of his planned trip to Israel in response to the ongoing conflict.
Turkey has consistently supported a two-state solution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
