Erdogan Refuses To Designate Hamas as a Terror Organization
The Turkish President 'Upends' Diplomatic Progress
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October 26, 2023
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has upended two years of diplomatic efforts between Turkey and Israel by declaring that the Palestinian militant group Hamas is not a terrorist organization, but rather a liberation group fighting to protect Palestinian lands, Reuters reported. This statement signals the end of the attempted rapprochement between the two countries and the deterioration of their relations.
Erdogan accused Israel of taking advantage of Turkey's "good intentions" and announced that he had canceled a planned visit to Israel. Referring to his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly in September, Erdogan expressed disappointment in Netanyahu's failure to continue with good intentions, which could have led to a different outcome for their relations.
While Turkey has condemned the civilian deaths caused by Hamas's recent massacre in southern Israel, it has also been vocal in urging Israeli forces to exercise restraint in their response to Hamas's actions. Erdogan emphasized that Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip should not bear the brunt of the group's actions.
In a gathering with lawmakers from his ruling AKP party, Erdogan reaffirmed his stance, stating, "Hamas is not a terrorist organization; it is a liberation group, 'mujahideen,' waging a battle to protect its lands and people." The use of the Arabic term "mujahideen" indicates those who fight for their faith.
Unlike many of its NATO allies and the European Union, Turkey does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. Turkey is known for hosting members of the group on its territory. This divergence in opinion has further strained the already fragile relationship between Turkey and Israel.
Israel swiftly rejected Erdogan's statements, reaffirming its position that Hamas is indeed a terrorist organization. Israeli officials argue that Hamas's actions, including the recent massacre, clearly demonstrate its violent and extremist nature.
The breakdown of relations between Turkey and Israel will have significant implications not only for the two countries but also for the broader Middle East region. The deteriorating relationship threatens to undermine peace efforts and exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region.
In addition to the diplomatic fallout, Erdogan's statements are likely to draw international attention and generate debate. The conflicting views on Hamas's classification as a terrorist organization highlight the deep divisions within the international community regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact the already complex dynamics in the Middle East and whether efforts can be made to mend the strained relations between Turkey and Israel.