Hamas political chief meets Turkish President Erdogan to discuss mediation efforts

ISTANBUL — In Istanbul, Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas, engaged in talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aiming to bolster Turkey’s role as a mediator between Israel and the Hamas movement.

Haniyeh’s visit follows recent diplomatic maneuvers, including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s meeting with Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman II. Discussions centered on re-evaluating mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel to secure a viable ceasefire agreement.

During the meeting with Erdogan, discussions revolved around Erdogan’s critique of Israel’s policies, reaffirming Turkey’s support for Hamas. Erdogan emphasized the imperative for Palestinian unity in Gaza, drawing parallels between Palestinian factions and Turkey’s historical resistance against occupiers in Anatolia.

In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz condemned Erdogan’s meeting with Haniyeh, labeling it a stain on Erdogan’s reputation. Katz criticized Hamas, associating it with violence and atrocities.

The meeting signifies ongoing efforts to navigate the complex dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Turkey positioning itself as a key mediator in the region.