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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 read more
 "Turkiye's Erdogan hosts Palestinian leader Abbas, discusses 'massacres by Israel, permanent ceasefire'")
Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara, Turkey August 14, 2024. Reuters
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas for a significant round of talks at the presidential palace in Ankara, focusing on the intensifying conflict in Gaza.
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 released a statement late Wednesday, revealing that the two leaders discussed the “massacres committed by Israel in Palestinian territories” and explored the steps needed to achieve a permanent ceasefire and lasting peace.
Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, promising to amplify pressure on Israel through the international community, particularly within the Islamic world. He stressed the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to the beleaguered Palestinian territories and called for global efforts to bring an end to the violence.
Importance of Abbas’ visit
Abbas’s visit, which comes just before 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 organisation, Erdogan has lauded the group as a liberation movement and has hosted its leaders, including Haniyeh, on multiple occasions in Turkey.
Turkey criticises Israel, West
In addition to his backing of Hamas, 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 criticised 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.
US comments on the development
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 underscores 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.
With inputs from AP
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English (US) ·