Turkey is keen to reassert its role in mediating the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, particularly as the previous mediator, Qatar, reevaluates its position.
Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Istanbul, Turkey, April 20, 2024. Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Turkish Presidential Press Office/Handout via Reuters
Turkey is keen to reassert its role in mediating the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, particularly as the previous mediator, Qatar, reevaluates its position.
This interest coincides with a significant meeting in Istanbul between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, signaling Turkey's proactive stance in resuming diplomatic efforts.
On Saturday in Istanbul, President Erdogan met with Haniyeh and other key figures from Hamas, including Khaled Mechaal. The discussions, held at the Dolmabahce Palace, lasted over two hours without a scheduled press conference to follow. This marks the first such high-level engagement since the Gaza war began on October 7.
During the meeting, the representatives from Hamas reiterated their acceptance of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and expressed a readiness to cease armed struggle following the establishment of such a state. This is a notable shift, as it suggests a possible move towards de-militarization and political transformation of Hamas, should a Palestinian state be realized.
Despite Erdogan's controversial statements in the past comparing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a Nazi and labeling Israel a "terrorist state," Turkey is positioning itself to play a communicative role in the peace process. This approach, however, is met with skepticism by some experts who doubt Erdogan's ability to be a central figure in mediation due to his strained relations with Israel.
The meeting also coincided with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's discussions with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Choukri, focusing on delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Both ministers highlighted the severe conditions in Gaza and the need for global attention to the Palestinian situation, which they argue impacts global geopolitical fault lines.
As Qatar steps back to reassess its involvement in mediating the conflict, Turkey is eager to step in, potentially using its diplomatic channels to facilitate dialogue between Hamas and Israel. However, the effectiveness of this mediation effort will depend on the regional acceptance of Turkey's role and the ability of all parties to negotiate terms that lead towards a sustainable peace in the region.
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