Amidst escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas for a significant round of talks at the presidential palace in Ankara. The meeting, held on Wednesday, focused on the intensifying conflict in Gaza, with both leaders discussing potential solutions for achieving a permanent ceasefire and lasting peace.
The discussions come at a critical juncture as regional tensions surge following the assassination of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, an event widely believed to be the result of an Israeli strike. Erdogan’s office issued a statement expressing concern over the “massacres committed by Israel in Palestinian territories.”
Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, vowing to exert pressure on Israel through international channels, particularly within the Islamic world. He emphasized the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to the beleaguered Palestinian territories and called for global efforts to bring an end to the violence.
Abbas’s visit, which precedes his scheduled address to the Turkish Parliament, is seen as a strategic move by Erdogan, who has long been a vocal supporter of Hamas and the broader Palestinian struggle. Erdogan’s invitation to Abbas followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the US Congress in July, where Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
In contrast to Western nations, which have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, Erdogan has lauded the group as a liberation movement and has hosted its leaders, including Haniyeh, on multiple occasions in Turkey.
Erdogan has been one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, going so far as to accuse the Israeli government of genocide and likening Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. This rhetoric has not been without consequence; in May, Turkey suspended trade with Israel, citing the ongoing assault on Gaza. Further escalating the diplomatic row, Turkey recently filed a request with a United Nations court to join South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel.
The Turkish President has also criticized Western nations for their support of Israel, arguing that they should face accountability in international courts for their actions. The recent assassination of Haniyeh has only heightened regional tensions, with many in the Middle East bracing for potential Iranian retaliation against Israel.
Shortly before Abbas’s arrival, US Ambassador to Turkey Jeffry Flake acknowledged the delicate situation, stating that Washington is seeking Turkey’s assistance in de-escalating the conflict. Flake noted that Turkey’s unique position allows it to engage with groups in Gaza that the US cannot, and he encouraged Turkish leaders to use their influence to reduce tensions wherever possible.
Erdogan’s hosting of Abbas and his strong stance on the Gaza conflict underscore Turkey’s pivotal role in the region as both a supporter of the Palestinian cause and a key player in the complex geopolitics of the Middle East. As Abbas prepares to address Turkish lawmakers, the international community watches closely, aware that Turkey’s actions could significantly impact the trajectory of the ongoing conflict.
