Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Monday that more than one thousand members of Hamas have received medical treatment in hospitals across Turkey. Erdogan refused to acknowledge Hamas as a terrorist group, instead referring to it as a “resistance movement.”
This declaration caused tension during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Ankara. Erdogan’s revelation of Turkey treating Hamas fighters led to a disagreement between the two leaders, with Mitsotakis maintaining his view of Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Erdogan’s selective labeling of militants as terrorists was highlighted, particularly in his characterization of armed Kurds as terrorists while supporting Kurdish militias that aided in defeating the Islamic State in the Middle East.
Hamas has had an office in Turkey since 2011, established during negotiations for the release of an Israeli soldier. Erdogan’s staunch defense of Hamas as not a terrorist organization, despite their violent actions, has led to strained relations with Israel.
Furthermore, Erdogan’s criticism of Israel’s military response to Hamas attacks and comparisons to Adolf Hitler have escalated tensions, resulting in Turkey halting trade with Israel and seeking to join a legal case against Israel for genocide.
While Erdogan’s claims of treating Hamas fighters in Turkish hospitals were disputed by sources claiming it was Palestinian civilians receiving treatment, the controversy surrounding Erdogan’s support of Hamas and criticism of Israel persists.
