ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Palestinians to unite amid Israel’s bombardment campaign in Gaza, following hours-long talks with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul on Saturday, his office said.
“It is vital that Palestinians act with unity in this process. The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity,” Erdogan said according to a Turkish presidency statement.
The talks, held at the historic Dolmabahce palace along the Bosphorus strait, lasted over two and a half hours, during which Erdogan emphasized the importance of Palestinian solidarity amid escalating tensions in the region.
As fears of a wider regional war grow, Erdogan said recent events between Iran and Israel should not allow Israel to “gain ground and that it is important to act in a way that keeps attention on Gaza”.
The meeting comes as Gaza reeling from Israeli bombardment and amid tensions between Israel and Iran, further heightening concerns of a broader regional conflict.
With Qatar reassessing its role as a mediator between Hamas and Israel, Erdogan’s move to engage in diplomatic efforts underscores Turkey’s desire to play a significant role in the resolution of the Gaza conflict.
“Even if only I, Tayyip Erdogan, remain, I will continue as long as God gives me my life, to defend the Palestinian struggle and to be the voice of the oppressed Palestinian people,” Erdogan reaffirmed during Haniyeh’s visit announcement earlier in the week.
Turkey has been a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian cause, hosting a Hamas office since 2011 and maintaining diplomatic ties with Haniyeh, who has frequently visited the country.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, emphasizing the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the threat of famine looms.
Since October 7, Israel has killed 34,049 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.
