The member of Hamas Political Bureau Ezzat al-Rishiq met with the Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon Hakan Çakıl in the movement’s office in Beirut.

The two sides discussed the bilateral relations and the latest developments of the Palestinian issue, especially the ‘Deal of Century’ and its ramifications on the Palestinian cause along with the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip imposed since 2006.

The Hamas leader hailed the critical role of Turkey played to support the Palestinian people. He also lauded the Turkish government for rejecting the ‘Deal of Century’.

Al-Rishq confirmed that Hamas is keen to achieve the Palestinian reconciliation and to build up a genuine national parternerhip. Moreover, he called for a reorganization of the Palestinian situation through presidential and legislative elections as well as reelecting a new national council, in accordance with  Beirut 2017 and Cairo 2011 agreements.

The senior Hamas leader urged the Turkish leadership to double their efforts in order to lift the 12-year-long crippling siege imposed by the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip.

The Turkish ambassador, in turn, reiterated that Turkey supports the Palestinian issue and rights, highlighting the need to heal the Palestinian rift and enhance the national unity.

Çakıl condemned the US decision to declare the eternal capital of Palestine, Jerusalem, as the Israeli occupation’s capital. He also denounced moving the US embassy to the Holy City of Jerusalem.