Turkish Presidency Book Presents Hamas as Legitimate Actor, Analysis Finds

A new Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy analysis says a 769-page book published by Turkey's Presidency presents Hamas as a legitimate future Middle East actor rather than a terrorist organization to be dismantled. The official book describes Zionism as the conflict's root, repeats Hamas leaders' statements, and omits the October 7 massacre, according to the analysis. Researchers say Ankara's strategy relies on diplomacy, international legal proceedings, public opinion campaigns and a proposed guarantor mechanism to build influence in Gaza, Jerusalem and future Palestinian security structures. The center says Turkey grants Hamas political, legal and narrative legitimacy while Iran supplies military backing.