Turkey’s president has praised Hamas as “liberation fighters”, in comments that sparked an immediate backlash. 

“Hamas is not a terrorist organisation, it is a liberation group, ‘mujahideen’ waging a battle to protect its lands and people,” said Recep Tayyip Erdogan today.

Mr Erdogan criticised Western powers that have backed Israel in its fight since the October 7 massacre, saying that “Western tears shed for Israel are a manifestation of fraud”.

Italy’s deputy prime minister condemned the words, describing them as “grave and disgusting”.

“I will propose to my colleague (Foreign Minister Antonio) Tajani to send a formal protest and to summon the Turkish Ambassador,” said Matteo Salvini.

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