Mediation efforts in Türkiye have moved forward as the conflict’s first phase appears to be winding down. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been cautious in tone, yet his public remarks this week shifted toward a more forceful call for dialogue, signaling a readiness to confront the latest developments head on.
During a session with lawmakers on Wednesday, Erdogan addressed the situation with a posture that reflected deep concern for regional stability. He described Hamas not as a terrorist organization but as a group of mujahideen, meaning warriors of the Islamic faith striving for liberation of Palestine and the protection of its people and land. The provocative framing drew rapid attention and sparked debate about Türkiye’s position amid ongoing tensions in the region. (Source: Reuters)
Observers noted that Erdogan took aim at Israel in a pointed speech designed to appeal to conservative and Islamist segments within Türkiye and to signal that his party would not retreat from the issue. In recent weeks, public demonstrations across the country have expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause, illustrating the domestic pressure Türkiye faces to align with popular sentiment while balancing its diplomatic priorities. A large rally was organized for Saturday in Istanbul to advocate for the Palestinian cause, underscoring the government’s willingness to mobilize domestic backing on foreign policy matters. (Source: Reuters)
In the remarks, Erdogan emphasized goodwill toward Israel, but he asserted that this goodwill had been exploited. He said Türkiye had planned to undertake a future trip and to advance a cooperative agenda, but all such plans were halted because of what he described as Israeli misuses of that goodwill. He warned against any escalation that would harm civilians, noting the impact of air campaigns that he said were affecting Palestinian children. The message framed Türkiye as seeking a careful but firm approach to the conflict, with a clear insistence on restraint and accountability. (Source: Reuters)
Rebuilding relationships
Looking back to December, Türkiye’s stance on Israel shifted after more than a decade of cooling relations. Erdogan’s government moderated its anti-Israel rhetoric as Türkiye faced economic pressures and sought foreign investment. In a strategic move, Ankara and Tel Aviv exchanged ambassadors, signaling a tentative return to normal diplomatic channels and an attempt to bury the hatchet. (Source: Reuters)
Yet the thaw proved temporary. Domestic and regional dynamics quickly complicated Ankara’s posture, with Türkiye maintaining a generally pro-Palestinian sentiment while managing the practicalities of international diplomacy. Analysts suggest that Erdogan cannot afford to sustain a rigid splitting line between Israel and Hamas as local elections approach, pushing Türkiye toward a more nuanced stance that avoids a clean break with either side. The Turkish press reported this week that Ankara has asked leaders involved with Hamas to adjust their presence on Turkish soil, a move seen as part of Türkiye’s broader effort to balance international relations with domestic expectations. (Source: Reuters)