Meshaal: Turkey is being targeted

Turkey has always supported the Palestinian cause, the battle for Jerusalem and efforts to break the siege on Gaza, the former head of Hamas’ political bureau, Khaled Meshaal, said on Saturday.

In a speech to mark the first anniversary of Turkey’s failed coup, Meshaal said he was proud of Turkey, its people and its leadership “which has never forgotten Palestine”.

“We cherish Turkey and we will remain loyal to it and wish it well. Our hearts and minds are with Turkey and we hope that it will continue on this path and will not be hampered by any internal or external conspiracies,” he said.

Meshaal called on the Turkish leadership to always keep Palestine, Al-Aqsa, Gaza and the issues of the Palestinian nation in its mind and decisions, pointing out that Al-Aqsa Mosque is facing great danger.

Read: Israel seeks to further restrict access to Al-Aqsa Mosque

For the first time in 50 years, Al-Aqsa Mosque is closed and the call to prayer there is banned. The Zionists are taking advantage of recent developments to enforce their projects, whether it’s Judaisation, partition or demolition.

Turkey is targeted

In his speech, he highlighted the “courage” of the Turkish people, noting their role in facing the coup and defeating it within hours. “This is a historic milestone for Turkey and the region,” he said.

“Turkey has presented an example of bravery and civility; how people can defeat coups and conspiracies against the country and its prosperity. Turkey, which overcame the coup within hours, will triumph, God willing.”

Read: Remembering the attempted coup in Turkey

“Turkey is unfortunately still being targeted,” he added. “Turkey is a country of democracy, freedom, prosperity, development, revival, ethics and values, standing by the issues of the people and the nation.”

Meshaal concluded by saying that Turkey is capable of thwarting all the plots against it.