Turkish President Erdogan Defends Hamas, Cancels Israel Trip in Solidarity with Palestinians

25 October 2023
Turkish President Erdogan Defends Hamas, Cancels Israel Trip in Solidarity with Palestinians

In a bold and unexpected move, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared that Hamas is not a terrorist organisation but rather the defenders of their land and people. This statement, made during the day, has been largely ignored in the western media.

President Erdogan's assertion, which comes amidst ongoing tensions in the Palestine, has garnered significant attention. In his address, he stated, "Hamas is not a terrorist organisation, it is a liberation group, 'mujahideen' waging a battle to protect its lands and people."

Erdogan's government has lent its unequivocal support to his statement, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and calling for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Ministry affirmed that Turkey's commitment to a two-state solution remains unwavering.

Public sentiment in Turkey appears to be behind President Erdogan on this matter. The Turkish populace, who have historically been vocal in their support for the Palestinian cause, has rallied behind the President's stance. Mass protests have been seen lately in various Turkish cities, with demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags and expressing their support.

Erdogan's decision to cancel his scheduled visit to Israel, where he was expected to participate in diplomatic talks, is seen as a diplomatic gesture in support of the Palestinian people. The move has drawn both praise and criticism from various quarters. Israel, in particular, has expressed its disappointment with the Turkish President's stance and cancellation of the visit.

The situation remains fluid, and the international community continues to monitor the evolving dynamics in the region. President Erdogan's bold assertion regarding Hamas reflects Turkey's position as a significant player in the Middle East and underscores the ongoing complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.