US 'strongly objects to' Erdoğan's meeting with Hamas leaders in Istanbul

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The United States has criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for hosting Hamas leaders in Istanbul, saying that it "strongly objects to" and is concerned about the Turkish government's relationship with the group "at the highest levels."

"President Erdoğan's continued outreach to this terrorist organization only serves to isolate Turkey from the international community, harms the interests of the Palestinian people, and undercuts global efforts to prevent terrorist attacks launched from Gaza," read a statement by State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus.

Erdoğan on Aug. 22 met with Hamas leadership in Istanbul. The group's leader Ismail Haniyeh and its number two figure Saleh al-Arouri, who was designated as a terrorist by the U.S. and has a $5 million bounty on his head, attended the meeting.

"Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S and EU and both officials hosted by President Erdoğan are Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The U.S. Rewards for Justice Program is seeking information about one of the individuals for his involvement in multiple terrorist attacks, hijackings, and kidnappings," the U.S. said.

"We continue to raise our concerns about the Turkish government's relationship with Hamas at the highest levels. This is the second time President Erdoğan has welcomed Hamas leadership to Turkey this year with the first meeting occurring Feb. 1," it added.

Turkish Foreign Ministry said Ankara "fully rejects" the U.S. criticism and called on Washington to use its influence for a "balanced policy" that will help solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, instead of "serving Israel's interests."

In its statement, the Foreign Ministry said: "Declaring the legitimate representative of Hamas, who came to power after winning democratic elections in Gaza and is an important reality of the region, as a terrorist will not be of any contribution to efforts for peace and stability in the region."

Were Hamas members granted citizenship, CHP deputy asks

Separately, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy leader Ünal Çeviköz has asked the government whether Hamas members were granted citizenship, referring to a recent Telegraph report.

In a parliamentary question submitted with the demand to receive an answer from Vice President Fuat Oktay, Çeviköz asked how many of the group's members received citizenship during the term of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

"Did they receive a Turkish Republic passport as well?" he asked.

"Who does your government accept as the legitimate leader of Palestine?" Çeviköz also asked.