New Hamas leader meets with Turkish foreign minister, reaffirm backing - report

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently met with Khalil al-Hayya, the newly elected leader of Hamas' Political Bureau, according to Turkish state-run media reports. This encounter marks al-Hayya's first high-level meeting since assuming his role on July 20.

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Fidan congratulated al-Hayya on his appointment during the meeting.

During the July 29 meeting in Ankara, Fidan congratulated al-Hayya on his appointment. Al-Hayya, who is reportedly based in Qatar, briefed the Turkish minister on the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He described intensified Israeli settlement activities and attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

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Al-Hayya briefed Fidan on the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, saying the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified what he described as illegal settlement activities and attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem.

Al-Hayya also claimed Hamas is pursuing peace negotiations and working on reconciliation with other Palestinian groups. Fidan, in turn, reaffirmed Turkey's "strong support for the just cause of the Palestinians" and pledged continued efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also expressed appreciation for Hamas' role in the Gaza peace process.

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Fidan reiterated Turkey’s strong support for what he called the ‘just cause’ of the Palestinians in every field and on every international platform.

The meeting was reported by Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency and the pro-government newspaper Yeni Safak, with the latter publishing a photograph of Fidan and Hayya.

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Ankara would continue making every effort to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Fidan also said Turkey will continue supporting the Gaza peace process and expressed appreciation for the role Hamas has played in those efforts.