Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently met Khalil al-Hayya, the new leader of Hamas, according to Turkish state-run media reports.
Anadolu Agency media in Turkey reported on July 30 that “Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Wednesday with Khalil al-Hayya, the newly elected head of Hamas' Political Bureau, and a Hamas delegation, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources.”
This appears to be the first high-level meeting that Hayya has had since being elected to his new role on July 20. Hamas said Khalil al-Hayya had been elected head of its political bureau.
He is apparently based in Qatar along with other Hamas leaders. Many Hamas officials have been based in Qatar since 2012.
Anadolu, which is state-run, noted that “sources said Fidan congratulated al-Hayya on his appointment during the meeting.”
Claims Hamas approaching peace negotiations, West Bank tensions inflamed
The report said that “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.”
He claimed Hamas is making approaches toward peace negotiations. Hamas in Gaza is supposed to give up its governing authority there to the US-backed Board of Peace. Hayya said Hamas is also working on reconciliation with other Palestinian groups, apparently a reference to Fatah, which runs the Palestinian Authority.
Anadolu added that “Fidan reiterated Turkey’s strong support for what he called the ‘just cause’ of the Palestinians in every field and on every international platform.”
In addition, Turkey’s top diplomat said “that 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.”
Ankara’s pro-government Yeni Safak also reported on the meeting. It showed a photo of Fidan and Hayya and said the meeting happened in Ankara on July 29.
Turkey reiterates support for Hamas, humanitarian assistance to Gaza
“Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held talks with newly elected Hamas Political Bureau chief Khalil al-Hayya, discussing developments in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. During the meeting, Fidan reiterated Turkey's continued support for the Palestinian cause, humanitarian assistance for Gaza and efforts aimed at advancing a lasting peace process,” Yeni Safak added.
This report noted that the men discussed the situation in Gaza and the West Bank and discussed “settlement expansion.”
“Al-Hayya also briefed the Turkish side on the group's position regarding ongoing peace negotiations and shared updates on efforts aimed at achieving Palestinian national reconciliation,” Yeni Safak reported. “Fidan reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause across diplomatic, political and humanitarian platforms.”
Turkey has met with and hosted Hamas officials in the past. Turkey’s ruling AKP has roots in the Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas also has roots in the Muslim Brotherhood, indicating that the parties share some ideological connections and background. Fidan and Hayya also held a phone call in March 2025.