ISTANBUL: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and reach a fair and lasting peace in the region during a meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul on Saturday (Apr 20), his office said.
It was the first meeting between Erdogan and a Hamas delegation headed by Haniyeh since Israel began its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Haniyeh’s visit to Türkiye took place three days after he met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Doha.
“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 were discussed,” the Turkish presidency said in a statement.
The visit took place amid escalating regional tensions following Israel’s reported attack on Iran this week.
“Erdogan stressed that Israel should not benefit from the developments (between Iran and Israel) and that it is important to make efforts that will draw attention to Gaza again,” the statement added.
NATO member Türkiye has denounced Israel’s offensive in Gaza following Hamas’ Oct 7 attack on Israel and called for an immediate ceasefire.
