Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with a high-ranking Hamas delegation in Ankara on Wednesday, reaffirming Türkiye’s continued support for the Palestinian cause amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

According to a statement from the Directorate of Communications, Erdoğan received Muhammad Darwish, the head of Hamas' Shura Council, along with other Hamas officials at the Presidential Complex.

The meeting was also attended by key Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Intelligence Organization chief Ibrahim Kalın, and Communications Director Fahrettin Altun.

During the discussions, Erdoğan reportedly praised Hamas’ resilience, stating that their "471-day struggle in Gaza reaffirmed that the spirit of resistance will endure." He emphasized that Türkiye has stood by the Palestinians in their struggle against injustice and expressed hope for the successful implementation of a Gaza ceasefire.

Türkiye has maintained open channels with Hamas and other international actors, positioning itself as a key player in diplomatic efforts related to the ongoing conflict. Erdoğan has consistently criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians.

The meeting underscores Türkiye’s continued engagement with Hamas, despite international scrutiny, as Ankara seeks to play a role in mediating a resolution to the crisis. (ILKHA)