The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has sparked a heated debate over the nature and legitimacy of the Palestinian militant group. While Israel and its Western allies consider Hamas a terrorist organization, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has defended the group as a liberation movement fighting to protect their land and citizens.

In a speech to the parliament on Wednesday, Erdogan said that Hamas is not a terrorist organization, but is “mujahideen” waging a battle to protect its lands and people. He also slammed Israel’s attacks on Gaza as a “situation that attests to both murder and a state of mental illness, both for those who carry them out and for those who support them”.

Erdogan’s remarks drew criticism from some of Turkey’s NATO allies, such as Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who said they were “grave and disgusting and did not help with de-escalation”. He also said he would propose to summon the Turkish ambassador and send a formal protest.

Hamas, which controls Gaza since 2007, is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia, Japan and other countries. They accuse the group of using violence against civilians, rejecting Israel’s right to exist, and violating human rights and international law.

However, some countries, such as Turkey, Qatar, Iran and Russia, do not consider Hamas a terrorist group, but rather a political and social movement that represents the Palestinian people. They argue that Hamas has a legitimate right to resist Israel’s occupation and blockade of Gaza, and that it has participated in democratic elections and formed a unity government with its rival Fatah in 2014.

The question of whether Hamas is a freedom fighter or a terrorist is not only a matter of definition, but also of perspective and interest. While Israel views Hamas as an existential threat that must be eliminated, Turkey sees Hamas as an ally that can help it gain influence in the region. While the West fears that Hamas will destabilize the Middle East and undermine the peace process, some Muslim countries hope that Hamas will challenge Israel’s dominance and assert their rights.

The answer to this question may also depend on the actions and intentions of Hamas itself. While some Hamas leaders have expressed willingness to accept a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and a long-term truce with Israel, others have vowed to continue the armed struggle until the liberation of all Palestine. While some Hamas members have engaged in humanitarian and social work in Gaza, others have launched rockets and suicide attacks against Israeli civilians.

Ultimately, the question of whether Hamas is a freedom fighter or a terrorist may not be as important as the question of how to end the cycle of violence and suffering in Gaza. As Erdogan himself said in his speech, “We will continue to shout the truth and take political and, if necessary, military measures”. But he also called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations for the release of hostages. Perhaps this is where both sides can find some common ground and work together to secure a lasting peace in the region.