Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s recent remarks regarding the treatment of individuals affiliated with Hamas in Turkish hospitals have stirred controversy and raised questions about Turkey’s stance on the Palestinian group.
During a joint press conference with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Ankara, Erdogan stated that “more than 1,000 members of Hamas are under treatment in hospitals across our country,” reaffirming his position that Hamas is a “resistance movement” rather than a terrorist organization. This statement came in response to Mitsotakis referring to Hamas as such.
However, a Turkish official later clarified that Erdogan had misspoken and intended to convey that individuals from Hamas-run Gaza, rather than specifically members of Hamas, were receiving treatment in Turkey. “President Erdogan misspoke, he meant 1,000 Gazans are under treatment, not Hamas members,” the official stated.
The discrepancy between Erdogan’s initial statement and the subsequent clarification has prompted speculation and debate regarding Turkey’s relationship with Hamas and its broader foreign policy towards the Palestinian territories.
While the background of those receiving treatment in Turkish hospitals has not been immediately determined, it was previously reported in November that Ankara was facilitating the evacuation of wounded or sick individuals from Gaza, primarily cancer patients, and their companions following Israeli military actions in the region.
The incident underscores the sensitivities surrounding Turkey’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its alignment with various regional actors. Erdogan’s characterization of Hamas as a “resistance movement” continues to diverge from the viewpoints of many Western countries, which designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
As reactions continue to pour in, observers await further developments and clarification from Turkish authorities regarding their policies towards Hamas and the Palestinian territories.
Ankara, Turkey – May 14, 2024