Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently made headlines by defending Hamas during a joint press conference in Ankara. Erdogan disputed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' characterization of Hamas as a terrorist organization, stating that he does not view Hamas in the same light. Erdogan went on to claim that over 1,000 individuals from Gaza, whom he referred to as members of Hamas, are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals across Turkey.
Despite Greece and many Western nations categorizing Hamas as a terrorist group, Erdogan reiterated his stance that Hamas is a 'resistance organization' fighting to protect their land. The Turkish president's comments came after a meeting with the Greek prime minister, where they discussed efforts to normalize relations between the two countries.
Following the press conference, a Turkish official clarified that Erdogan misspoke and meant to refer to Palestinians from Hamas-controlled Gaza receiving treatment in Turkey, rather than actual Hamas members. This clarification came amidst ongoing tensions between Turkey and Greece over territorial disputes in the Aegean Sea and drilling rights in the Mediterranean.
Despite their historical conflicts, Turkey and Greece have recently sought to mend fences and focus on areas of mutual interest. They have engaged in discussions on trade, energy, education, and cultural ties, with the aim of finding common ground and improving relations. Initiatives such as easing visa procedures for Turkish citizens visiting Greek islands have been implemented to promote greater interaction between the two nations.
Both Erdogan and Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of building bridges between their respective communities, with Erdogan highlighting the Turkish-Muslim minority in Greece's Thrace region as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. The ongoing efforts to foster cooperation and understanding between Turkey and Greece signal a positive step towards resolving longstanding conflicts and promoting regional stability.
