Story HighlightsTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Fox News he views Hamas as a resistance organisation, not a terrorist group. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reignited controversy at the 80th United Nations General Assembly by describing Hamas as a resistance organisation, while fiercely criticising Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. In an interview with Fox News on the sidelines of the UNGA, Erdogan said:“I see Hamas as a resistance organisation. Following the October 7 attack, he called Hamas a “liberation group” and “mujahideen fighting to defend their lands.” In May 2024, alongside the Greek Prime Minister, Erdogan insisted it was a “mistake” to label Hamas as a terrorist organisation. The broader debateHuman rights groups warn that framing Hamas as a resistance movement risks undermining international legitimacy for the Palestinian cause.