Turkey, a key Hamas backer, criticizes Israeli attack

Turkey condemned Israel's attack against Hamas members in Qatar's capital Doha, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday, adding that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aimed to deepen conflict and instability in the region.

"This attack, which constitutes a clear violation of international law and Qatar's sovereignty, has also targeted the security and peace of our brotherly nation, Qatar," Erdogan said in a statement.

"Turkey stands with its Palestinian brothers and its ally, strategic partner and friend, Qatar, with all its capabilities," Erdogan also said.

Earlier, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said the attack showed Israel had adopted "expansionist politics in the region and terrorism" as state policies.

"The targeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation while ceasefire talks continue shows that Israel does not aim to reach peace, but rather continue the war," the ministry said in a statement.

The Turkish government is a close ally of Hamas. Ankara provides political and financial support to the terrorist movement.