Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli Blames Turkey for Hosting Hamas Leader

Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli sharply criticized Turkey after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met newly elected Hamas political bureau chief Khalil al‑Hayya. Chikli said Turkey had become “the command center for Hamas’s rapists and murderers,” alleging Hamas operatives were staying in Turkish hotels to plan attacks in Europe and labeling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his foreign minister as “Hamas.”

Turkey’s state news agency Anadolu reported that Fidan congratulated al‑Hayya on his election and reaffirmed Ankara’s support for the Palestinian cause, describing it as “just.” Al‑Hayya briefed Fidan on Gaza developments, accused Israel of expanding settlements, and affirmed Hamas’s commitment to cease‑fire negotiations and reconciliation with other Palestinian factions. The meeting marked al‑Hayya’s first high‑level diplomatic engagement since his July 20 election.