US-Sponsored Istanbul Book Fair Features Sale of Yahya Sinwar's Books and Hamas Support

The 11th International Arab Book Fair opened last Saturday in Istanbul under the theme "The Story Continues," featuring over 300 publishers from more than 30 countries. The event, which runs until August 23, was sponsored by the US ambassador in Doha despite including the distribution of controversial materials such as Holocaust denial and books by Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader.

Qatar played an active role at the fair, with its Ministry of Culture establishing a booth showcasing numerous titles. Dr. Yasin Aktay, former advisor to the Turkish president, stated the event aims to strengthen the Islamist axis and foster unity across the Islamic world. The fair also highlighted Qatar-Turkey cooperation in support of Hamas.

Sheikh Dr. Ali al-Kardaji, secretary-general of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, which is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and based in Qatar, called for keeping the Palestinian cause at the forefront and providing aid to Gaza by all possible means. Hamas, also linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, benefits from this economic support.

Dr. Ariel Edmoni from Ariel University and the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security noted that Qatar and Turkey use cultural platforms like this book fair to maintain financial and moral backing for Palestinian terrorism while preserving their international legitimacy.

The event has drawn criticism for promoting extremist messages under the guise of cultural exchange, raising concerns about the US role in sponsoring such gatherings.