World

Erdogan says Hamas acted sincerely, criticises Israeli attacks

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-16

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed strong support for Hamas in an interview, criticizing Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon as aggressive. • Why it matters: Erdogan's remarks underscore Turkey's longstanding position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlight the potential for increased regional tensions amid ongoing violence. • What to watch next: Monitor Turkey's diplomatic efforts and responses from Israel and other nations in the region, as well as any developments in the conflict that may arise from Erdogan's statements.

**Erdogan Voices Support for Hamas and Criticism of Israeli Actions in Exclusive Interview**

In a recent exclusive interview with Al Jazeera for the program 'Al Muqabala', Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed strong support for Hamas, stating that the group has demonstrated "all the possible sincere solidarity." Erdogan's comments come amid ongoing tensions and violence in the region, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, which he characterized as the result of aggressive actions by Israel.

Erdogan's remarks highlight Turkey's longstanding position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where he has often criticized Israeli military operations and policies. In this latest interview, he reiterated his stance, condemning what he described as Israel's relentless attacks on Palestinian territories. The Turkish leader emphasized the need for a more measured approach to the situation, warning against further escalation of violence.

In addition to his comments on Hamas and Israel, Erdogan mentioned that former U.S. President Donald Trump is concerned about the current state of affairs in the region. While he did not elaborate on Trump's specific concerns, the mention of the former president indicates a recognition of the broader international implications of the ongoing conflict.

Erdogan concluded his statements by affirming Turkey's commitment to continue advocating for peace and stability in the region. He underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts to mitigate the conflict and prevent further loss of life.

As the situation in Gaza and Lebanon remains volatile, Erdogan's comments reflect not only Turkey's foreign policy priorities but also the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics. The Turkish government's support for Hamas and criticism of Israeli actions are likely to continue to influence its relations with other nations in the region and beyond.

Source: Al Jazeera
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