Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Meets New Hamas Leader

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Khalil al-Hayya, the newly elected head of the Hamas Political Bureau, and a Hamas delegation in Ankara on July 29, 2026. The meeting marked al-Hayya's first foreign visit since his election on July 20. During the talks, Fidan congratulated al-Hayya on his appointment and reaffirmed Turkey's support for the Palestinian cause and the Gaza peace process.

Al-Hayya briefed the minister on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. He alleged that the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem and expanded illegal settlement activities. Al-Hayya also provided updates on Palestinian reconciliation efforts and stated that Hamas is maintaining a constructive approach to peace negotiations.

Fidan pledged that Ankara would work to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He further committed to maintaining international focus on the actions of the Israeli government to keep those issues on the global agenda.