Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s recent hosting of two Hamas leaders in Istanbul witnessed a strong objection from the United States (US) as the Hamas officials are declared Specially Designated Global Terrorists and one of them is believed to be behind multiple terror attacks, hijackings, and kidnapping by the US State Department.
A statement received by the Turkish government stated that Erdogan met Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas Political Bureau, and an accompanying delegation.
Turkish foreign ministry said that Turkey fully rejects criticism by the US and they also called upon the US to use its influence for a “balanced policy” that will help solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, instead of “serving Israel’s interests.”
The US State Department gave a statement saying that “President Erdogan’s continued outreach to this terrorist organization only serves to isolate Turkey from the international community, harms the interests of the Palestinian people, and undercuts global efforts to prevent terrorist attacks launched from Gaza.”
Turkey’s foreign ministry gave a counter reply to this statement by the US State Department stating, “Declaring the legitimate representative of Hamas, who came to power after winning democratic elections in Gaza and is an important reality of the region, as a terrorist will not be of any contribution to efforts for peace and stability in the region.”
Recently, the US President Donald Trump while addressing a meeting had applauded Erdogan for releasing American pastor Andrew Brunson and said, “I have to say that, to me President Erdogan was very good.”
He further added, “ I know they had you scheduled for a long time, and you were a very innocent person and he, ultimately, after we had a few conversations, he agreed. So we appreciate that, and we appreciate the people of Turkey.”