Ankara: The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has expressed approval of Trkiye's recent decision to sever trade relations with Israel, calling on Arab and Muslim nations to adopt similar measures. This move is intended to exert pressure on Tel Aviv concerning its ongoing military actions in Gaza.
According to Anadolu Agency, Hamas issued a statement appreciating Trkiye's supportive stance toward the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict. The group emphasized remarks made by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who announced to parliament that Trkiye has ceased all trade activities with Israel, closed its airspace to Israeli aircraft, and prohibited Turkish ships from docking at Israeli ports.
Hamas further urged Arab and Islamic countries, along with other nations worldwide, to increase punitive actions, sever diplomatic ties, and work towards isolating Israel until it ceases its military operations in Gaza. During an extraordinary parliamentary session, Fidan warned that Israel's continued assaults in Gaza and other parts of Palestine could destabilize the entire region. He accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza over the past two years, in violation of humanitarian principles.
Fidan stated that Ankara rejects any proposals to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza, labeling such plans as invalid. He described the situation in the enclave as one of the darkest periods in human history. Additionally, the foreign minister condemned Israeli military actions in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran, describing them as indicative of a terrorist state mentality that defies international norms.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, with the region facing severe humanitarian challenges. Last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.