Terrorist Organization
ANKARA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan made his strongest comments to date on the Gaza conflict, declaring on Wednesday that Hamas, the Palestinian group, should not be labeled a terrorist organization.
Instead, he characterized them as a liberation group fighting to safeguard Palestinian lands and people.
Turkey, a NATO member, expressed condemnation for the civilian casualties resulting from Hamas’ actions in southern Israel on October 7, while also urging Israeli forces to exercise restraint.
As the violence escalated and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepened, Ankara strongly criticized Israel’s bombardment of the territory.
Erdogan, addressing lawmakers from his ruling AK Party, emphasized that Hamas should not be considered a terrorist organization. He used the Arabic term “mujahideen,” which denotes those who fight for their faith, to describe them.
In contrast to many of its NATO allies and the European Union, Turkey does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. Additionally, Turkey hosts members of the group on its territory and supports a two-state solution to the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Erdogan did not mince words when criticizing Western powers for their support of Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza. He called for an immediate ceasefire, the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and collaboration among Muslim countries to halt the violence.
Erdogan stated, “The perpetrators of the massacre and the destruction taking place in Gaza are those providing unlimited support for Israel.” He added that Israel’s attacks on Gaza, as well as those supporting Israel, constitute acts of murder and mental illness.
