Anti-Israel Ruckus in Turkey Near US Airbase
Reports from various media outlets suggest a lively showdown between demonstrators and police during an anti-Israel protest at the US airbase, Incirlik, in Turkey. The broadcaster NTV and newspaper "Hürriyet" reported some protesters attempting to breach the base's grounds. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, pushing the demonstrators back.
That anti-Israel rally was organized by the Islamic Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH). Footage from the foundation shows demonstrators waving Palestinian flags and those of Hamas, an organization which governs Gaza and is listed as a terrorist group in Israel, the USA, and Europe, but not in Turkey.
The IHH embarked on a journey from Istanbul last Friday, traveling over 900 kilometers, and reached Incirlik on Sunday. The Islamist party Hüda Par, part of the government alliance, publicly backs closing Incirlik to the US Air Force, citing Israel's American support as a reason.
Middle East conflicts, specifically those between Israel and Palestine, inspired the IHH-led demonstration. Despite the tumultuous scenes involving tear gas and water cannons, Palestinian flags and Hamas emblems continued flying.
Enrichment Data Integration:
Turkey's stance on Hamas is intricate and multifaceted, despite the group being categorized as a terrorist organization by Israel, the USA, and Europe. Here are the defining aspects:
- Sanctuary and Citizenship: Turkey has granted safe haven to top Hamas operatives and bestowed citizenship on some of them. The Turkish government also allows Hamas to utilize the country's financial and banking systems for funding, offering logistical help to its members[4].
- Rejection of Classification: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has championed Hamas, rejecting the group's designation as a terrorist organization. This stance is a strategic initiative to counter Israeli influence in the region[4].
- Diplomatic Interaction: Turkey's engagement with Hamas is a topic of debate. Turkish officials have dismissed charges that Hamas maintains political offices in Turkey, arguing that permitting Hamas members to visit the country does not equate to offering an institutional base for the group[1].
- Regional Forces: Turkey's policy towards Hamas is impacted by broader regional dynamics and evolving diplomatic objectives. These factors have led to fluctuations in Ankara's relationship with Hamas through the years, with recent developments such as alleged Hamas office hosting perceived as a hindrance to bettering relations with Israel[1].
In summary, while Turkey does not deem Hamas as a terror organization officially, it has provided substantial support to the group, a fact not without controversy, especially in light of Turkey's ties with Israel and other international players.
