Turkey Uses Diplomatic and Legal Means to Legitimize Hamas, Report Finds
A new report by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCAP) analyzes a 769-page book titled "Our Palestinian Issue," published on the official website of the Turkish presidency. The book, which presents Turkey's perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, portrays Israel as committing "genocide" and "war crimes," blames Zionism as the root of the conflict, and legitimizes Hamas by framing its actions as resistance against Israeli oppression. The publication is not a research paper but an official Turkish government document reflecting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's regime stance.
According to the JCAP report, Turkey's strategy is not military confrontation but a broad diplomatic, legal, and public relations campaign aimed at increasing Ankara's influence in Gaza, Jerusalem, and the future Palestinian security apparatus. The book advocates for international diplomatic efforts to push for a ceasefire, expand humanitarian aid to Gaza, initiate legal proceedings against Israel in international courts, and run a global information campaign to sway other countries toward Turkey's position.
A key element highlighted is Erdogan's "guarantee mechanism" proposal, where Turkey and other states would serve as guarantors for a future Israeli-Palestinian agreement, potentially enabling Turkey's deep involvement in Gaza and a future security presence. The report contrasts Turkey's approach with Iran's, noting that while Iran supports Hamas militarily and financially, Turkey provides political, legal, and ideological legitimacy, treating Hamas as a legitimate actor rather than a terrorist organization.
Israeli experts cited in the report call for immediate Israeli countermeasures, including shutting down the Turkish consulate in Jerusalem, which they accuse of spearheading hostile Turkish policies and undermining Israeli sovereignty. They also recommend revoking diplomatic privileges and restricting the movement of Turkish diplomats linked to the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. The report warns that Turkey is facilitating Palestinian and Hamas infiltration into Jerusalem through Islamist organizations operating under the consulate's protection.
This development underscores Turkey's expanding role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, employing non-military tools to challenge Israel internationally and bolster Hamas's legitimacy.
