Senior Fatah leader denied entry to Turkey

The Turkish authorities detained senior Fatah leader Tawfiq Al-Tirawi at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport on Friday and prevented him from entering the country, Al-Resalah has reported.

According to local sources, Al-Tirawi was denied entry to Turkey because he is regarded as a “threat” to the country’s security. The Palestinian Authority news agency Wafa said that Al-Tirawi was deported to Amman after the Palestinian Embassy was unable to organise his entry with the Turkish government.

Fatah condemned Turkey and asked why this has happened at a time when other Palestinians can visit and stay in Turkey without any restrictions. No comment from the Turkish government has been issued.