Understanding Turkey’s unwavering support for Hamas in Gaza requires delving into the historical and ideological underpinnings of this complex relationship. This analysis will explore the factors driving Turkey’s stance, drawing insights from two key sources:
- BBC News article: “What is behind Turkey’s staunch support for Hamas in Gaza?”
- Brookings Institution article: “Understanding Turkey’s response to the Israel-Gaza crisis”
Historical Context: A Legacy of Shared Values and Aspirations
There have been times of cooperation and conflict in Turkey’s relationship with Israel and the Palestinian territories. But the relationship has been especially turbulent under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, frequently reflecting the ups and downs of Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
This shift in Turkey’s approach can be attributed to two key factors:
- Erdoğan’s belief in Hamas’ legitimacy as a Palestinian actor: This stems from his ideological affinity with the Muslim Brotherhood, which views Hamas as a legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
- Turkey’s aspirations for regional leadership: Erdoğan’s vision of a resurgent Turkey includes a central role for the Palestinian issue, aligning with his neo-Ottomanist ambitions.
Turkey’s Response to the Recent Crisis: A Strident Voice Against Israel
The recent escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen Turkey adopt a strident anti-Israeli stance, with Erdoğan taking center stage in organizing pro-Palestinian rallies and criticizing both Israel and the United States. This response highlights several key points:
- Erdoğan’s strong personal convictions: The Palestinian issue is deeply personal for Erdoğan, who sees it as his calling to oppose Israel’s actions, regardless of the consequences.
- Turkey’s unique position within NATO: Turkey’s strong criticism of Israel sets it apart from other NATO members, reflecting its growing divergence from the West.
- The influence of public opinion: The Turkish public is overwhelmingly sympathetic to the Palestinians, and Erdoğan’s rhetoric reflects this sentiment.
The Islamist-Secular Divide: A Blurring of Lines
While the Islamist-secular divide has historically influenced Turkish politics, the Palestinian cause seems to transcend these ideological boundaries. Both the government and the public view Hamas as a reality, despite its designation as a terrorist organization by many Western countries.
However, the future of Turkey’s relationship with Hamas remains uncertain, as the outcome of the conflict and the shape of the post-war Gaza administration are still unknown.
Turkey’s Role in Ending the Conflict and Rebuilding Gaza
Erdogan has stated that he is keen for Turkey to be involved in both mediating the conflict and rebuilding Gaza. But his severe criticism of Israel has probably jeopardized Turkey’s engagement going forward.
The question remains whether Turkey can recalibrate its approach and tone down its rhetoric to regain a seat at the negotiating table.
U.S.-Turkey Relations: A Complicated Dynamic
The diverging responses of Turkey and the United States to the recent crisis have further strained their already complicated relationship. Erdoğan’s refusal to meet with Secretary of State Blinken and his accusations against the U.S. have created a challenging environment for cooperation.
Both nations understand that despite the present hostilities, some degree of engagement is necessary. However, finding common ground on the Palestinian issue remains a significant hurdle.
The issue of Turkey’s unwavering support for Hamas is complex and is influenced by a variety of political, ideological, and historical factors. Recognizing the significance of public opinion, Turkey’s regional ambitions, and Erdoğan’s personal convictions are necessary to comprehend this relationship.
Although Turkey’s relations with Israel and the US have been strained by the current conflict, it is unclear how much longer Turkey will be involved in the Palestinian issue. The future course of events hinges on Turkey’s readiness to modify its strategy and initiate positive communication.
Palestinian actors and Turkey’s Islamist-secular divide
Given the Islamist-secular divide in Turkish politics, which Palestinian actors are Turkish leaders likely to back? , Hamas, the main Islamist group, or Fatah, the main secular nationalist group)? Or does backing for the Palestinian cause in Turkey usually transcend these differences in ideology?
ASLI AYDINTAŞBAŞ: I think the Palestinian cause now transcends the Islamist-secular divide.
For the government, the ideological battle has long been settled in favor of Hamas. While the PA is viewed as an ineffective organization while Hamas is a real organization, Turkey collaborates with both Fatah and Hamas and has occasionally welcomed both Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, and Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority (PA). In that sense, Turkey has elevated and legitimized Hamas’s position within the Muslim world.
But I don’t know what all that means for the future. It is unknown what the Israelis have planned for Gaza and what kind of post-war Gazan government will be in place there. Qatar and Turkey will continue to deal with Hamas’ political wing. But if the PA steps in to take over Gaza, meetings with Haniyeh or other Hamas leaders might not matter.
I believe that the true question is whether Turkey will soften its rhetoric and change course toward Hamas in order to obtain the access it wants in Gaza and the West Bank.
Turkish elite vs. societal opinion
KEVIN HUGGARD: How much do the demands of the Turkish people as a whole influence the political leadership of the nation, as opposed to demands from below?
ASLI AYDINTABA: There’s no doubting that the public is incredibly sensitive to this issue and sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. The suffering in Gaza is continuously reported to the general public, and there is never a lack of commentary implying that Israel is only able to carry out these actions because the US permits it.
Public criticism of Hamas in the early days after the October 7 carnage is long gone. The oppressor and the oppressed are typically depicted in public discourse as being in stark black and white, leaving little opportunity for nuance or memory of the events of October 7. There is also growing anti-Americanism for what is perceived as the United States’ blank check for Israel.
By contending that Hamas lacks terrorist status, Erdoğan bolsters those sentiments and lends the organization some measure of credibility. By doing this, he has been able to shape the public’s perception of the problem. Specifically, according to Metropoll polling data, only 3% of respondents think that Hamas is a terrorist organization.
This conflict has also allowed Erdoğan to make a case about a civilizational rift with the West. He calls it “crusader vs crescent” and of course, Turkey is on the side of the crescent. I worry that more and more Turks are starting to accept this civilizational narrative, seeing Turkey as something different from the liberal order, which is defined as hypocritical, discriminatory, and contradictory. Because of the Gaza conflict, I believe Turkish society is moving closer to the notion of a non-aligned Turkey.
Israel Palestine Conflict: Turkish President Erdogan : Act with Restraint I AJ #shorts
FAQ
Does Turkey Recognise Israel?
Did Turkey send aid to Palestine?
What countries support Palestine?
Does Turkey support Hamas?
Does Turkey support the Palestinian cause?
There is wide public support in Turkey for the Palestinian cause, with pro-Palestine demonstrations drawing thousands of Turks in recent days. At the same time, Turkey had relations with Israel for much of Israel’s history, until things hit a rough patch in 2010.
Will Turkey’s support for Palestine affect ties with Israel?
Turkey’s forthright support for Palestine could affecting efforts to revive ties with Israel. Here’s a timeline of their rocky relations. Istanbul, Turkey – The mounting death toll in Gaza has seen Turkish politicians, especially President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, become increasingly direct in their criticism of Israel.
What is Turkey doing to help the Palestinians?
“We’ve been putting a lot of effort to make sure that children and foreigners especially are released.” There is wide public support in Turkey for the Palestinian cause, with pro-Palestine demonstrations drawing thousands of Turks in recent days.
Does Turkey support Palestinian self-determination?
Ankara officially opened its first diplomatic office in Israel in 1950. Still, Turkey’s support for Palestinian self-determination has been constant throughout, even as it has tried to keep relations with Israel afloat.