Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan discussed efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid there with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during a meeting in Istanbul, state broadcaster TRT said on Saturday.
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 Turkey took place three days after he met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Doha.
The visit took place amid escalating regional tensions following Israel's reported attack on Iran this week.
Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz commented on the meeting between the two leaders in Turkish.
Müslüman Kardeşler: Tecavüz, katliam, cesetlere saygısızlık, bebek yakma.@RTErdogan, utanmalısın! pic.twitter.com/ZVOwcylkkZ
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) April 20, 2024
He said on X, formerly Twitter, "Muslim Brotherhood: Rape, massacre, desecration of corpses, burning babies." Then Katz added, tagging Erdogan, "You should be ashamed!"
"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.
"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 Turkey has denounced Israel's offensive in Gaza following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Erdogan has called Hamas a "liberation movement" while slamming the West for what he calls its unconditional support of Israel. Ankara has also imposed trade restrictions on Israel.
In Saturday's meeting, Erdogan told Haniyeh Turkey continues its diplomatic efforts for a permanent ceasefire as well as the establishment of an independent state of Palestine, according to the statement.
Erdogan also told Haniyeh "it is vital for Palestinians to act in unity," the statement said.