Abbas Strengthens Ties With Israel's Allies Amid Hamas Rise
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is strengthening ties with Greece and Cyprus, key allies of Israel, as Turkey increases its support for Palestinians. This move aims to expand international backing for the PA and secure aid for Gaza. A Turkish commentator suggests Turkey is avoiding confrontation with Abbas to maintain influence with both the PA and Hamas. Cyprus has been a significant conduit for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mahmoud Abbas is strengthening ties with Greece and Cyprus, close allies of Israel.
- Turkey is increasing its support for Palestinians while Abbas courts Israel's allies.
- Cyprus has delivered over 37,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- A Turkish commentator believes Turkey avoids confronting Abbas to maintain influence.
- Abbas's diplomatic moves signal Palestinian Authority interests are not subservient to Turkey's.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas is bolstering relations with Greece and Cyprus, countries considered close to Israel, as Turkey increases its support for Palestinians. This strategic move by Abbas aims to expand the Palestinian Authority's international support base and solidify its position as the official Palestinian representative, while also seeking aid for Gaza's reconstruction.
A Turkish commentator, Yildirim, explains that Abbas's outreach to Greece and Cyprus does not contradict Palestinian ties with Turkey. Instead, it allows the PA to broaden its international backing. Cyprus, which recognized the State of Palestine in 1988, has been actively involved in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza through the "Amalthea" maritime corridor, having sent over 37,000 tons of aid by August 2026.
Yildirim also addresses why Ankara has not strongly opposed Abbas's overtures to regional rivals. He suggests Turkey wishes to maintain its role as a key player in the Palestinian arena, capable of engaging with both the PA and Hamas. A direct confrontation with Abbas could jeopardize Turkey's relationship with the internationally recognized Palestinian leadership and diminish its influence.
The commentator notes that the ongoing dispute between Turkey and Greece and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean is a separate political arena. Ankara prefers not to escalate its existing tensions by turning Abbas's interactions with its rivals into a crisis. This approach mirrors Turkey's own foreign policy, which includes maintaining ties with countries holding opposing interests, such as NATO membership alongside relations with Russia, and criticizing Israel while preserving channels of communication.
Yildirim concludes that as long as the Palestinian political division persists, the PA and Hamas will continue to forge separate relationships with regional and international actors. Abbas's engagement with Greece and Cyprus is part of an effort to bolster the PA's standing, while Turkey must navigate this reality cautiously to preserve its connections with both Palestinian factions. Abbas's diplomatic actions signal that the PA's interests are not necessarily subservient to Turkey's priorities.
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