Hamas: Erdogan still planning Gaza visit

Turkish Prime Minister Reccep Tayyip Erdogan will follow through on promises to visit Gaza despite having to deal with mass protests in Turkey, the Hamas government said Wednesday. A spokesman for the Gaza government quoted Erdogan as making the remarks in a news conference Tuesday in Ankara after meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas prime minister. “Haniyeh discussed with Erdogan the reconciliation file,” a statement from the Gaza government said. “He stressed the strong Turkish-Palestinian relations, and he praised the Turkish role in the Palestinian issue.” Haniyeh met with Erdogan Tuesday evening after a tour in Arab and Islamic countries. Also Wednesday, the newly appointed prime minister in Ramallah, Rami Hamdallah, met Turkish consul-general Sakir Torunlar to discuss the latest political updates and the economic situation in Palestine. Hamdallah called on the international community and the Turkish government to make all efforts to force Israel to stop harassment against Palestinians and commit to international laws and legitimacy. He called on Israel to respect the Palestinian nation and respect their rights. The consul general congratulated Hamdallah on his appointment and reiterated Turkey's continuing support for the Palestinians.