Erdogan meets Hamas leader in Istanbul, discusses efforts to reach regional peace
1Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and reach a fair and lasting peace in the region with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during a meeting in Istanbul, Turkish presidency said on Saturday (April 20).
In a first since Israel began its campaign in Gaza on Oct. 7, a Hamas delegation headed by Haniyeh met with Erdogan. Haniyeh's visit to Turkey took place three days after he held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Doha.
The Turkish presidency said the two sides discussed "issues related to Israel's attacks on lands of Palestine, particularly Gaza, efforts for adequate and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a fair and lasting peace process in the region."
The visit also came amid escalating regional tensions , after Israel's reported attack on Iran this week. Erdogan emphasised during the meeting that Israel should not benefit from the development between Iran and Israel and that "that it is important to make efforts that will draw attention to Gaza again," according to the statement from the presidency.
Erdogan also told Haniyeh that Turkey continues its diplomatic efforts for a permanent ceasefire as well as establishment of an independent state of Palestine, according to the statement. Erdogan also told Haniyeh that "it is vital for Palestinians to act in unity," the statement said.