Turkey has actively taken steps to contribute to the resolution of the longstanding Palestinian-Israeli conflict, exemplified by the recent meeting between the Director of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Ibrahim Kalın, and Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of the resistance movement Hamas. This diplomatic encounter, held in Doha, Qatar, focused on a range of critical issues, including the latest developments in Gaza, discussions on a potential prisoner exchange, the pursuit of a cease-fire, and efforts to end the blockade in the region. Additionally, the talks emphasized the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, highlighting the significance of establishing an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital for regional stability.
Turkey, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the forefront, has consistently shown unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and seeks reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. Last year, Erdogan facilitated a meeting between Haniyeh and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, underscoring Turkey’s commitment to fostering unity among Palestinian factions. Furthermore, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, both regionally and globally, aligning with the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the complexities of the conflict. This includes participating in delegations that have conducted diplomatic visits from Norway to the United States.
Turkey’s commitment to mediating a resolution is underscored by its role in brokering a deal for the exchange of hostages between Hamas and Israel last year. The MIT has also revealed and thwarted espionage networks formed by Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, aimed at gathering information on Palestinians in Turkey, potentially preventing attacks against them.
Despite initial intentions to normalize relations with Israel, Turkey halted the process in response to renewed violence against Palestinians. President Erdogan has strongly criticized the Israeli administration, likening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the “Fuhrer of the present-day.” Erdogan contends that the international community’s failure to act against what he perceives as genocidal acts in Gaza has eroded the credibility of Western countries and exposed a fascist mindset.
Erdogan’s criticism extends to comparisons with Adolf Hitler, emphasizing that the atrocities in Gaza have been overlooked by those claiming to advocate democracy. As casualties in Gaza mount, Turkey remains committed to its policy of a two-state solution, demanding Israel’s recognition of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, prior to the expansion of illegal settlements. In this complex geopolitical landscape, Turkey continues to play a proactive role in diplomatic initiatives and advocacy for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
