29 A critical point of divergence between Trump and Erdoğ� an is the Palestinian issue, which arose more strongly on October 7. Trump, a strong supporter of Israel, contrasts with Erdoğ� an, who is a vocal backer of Hamas. Turkey’s support for Hamas, including granting them passports and allegedly aiding in money laundering that has enabled them to conduct terror attacks from Turkish soil, complicates relations. The significance of the Palestinian issue to Erdoğ� an was highlighted in his greeting to Trump, in which he mentioned it specifically The significance of the Palestinian issue to Erdoğ� an was highlighted in his greeting to Trump, in which he mentioned it specifically: “In this new era, which will beginwith the election of the American people, we hope that Turkey-US relations will strengthen, and that regional and global crises, especially the Palestinian issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, will come to an end.” Time will tell whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations and national interests, or if ongoing tensions will continue to overshadow Trump’s and Erdoğ� an’s personal friendship. Photo: Shutterstock
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