Turkish President Erdogan Condemns Assassination of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sharply condemned the recent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, calling it a “perfidious attack” and expressing deep sorrow for his close ally and “brother.”
On the social media platform X, Erdogan stated, “May God have mercy on my brother Ismail Haniyeh, who has become a martyr after this despicable act.” He criticized the attack as an example of “Zionist barbarity” aimed at undermining the Palestinian cause, the resistance in Gaza, and the fight of the Palestinian people.
Turkey’s foreign ministry echoed this sentiment, describing the attack as a “shameful assassination.” Haniyeh, who had strong ties with Turkey, last visited Erdogan in Istanbul in April, and had spent considerable time in Turkey prior to the recent conflict.
While Hamas is labeled as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and Israel, Erdogan has consistently referred to it as a “liberation movement.” Since 2011, following an agreement that resulted in the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, Turkey has provided sanctuary for Hamas officials.
