Israel diplomat claims Turkey gave passports to Hamas members

Turkey has given passports to a dozen Hamas members in Istanbul, a senior Israeli diplomat was quoted as saying in a Reuters report.

Charge d’affaires Roey Gilad described the move as “a very unfriendly step” which his government would raise with Turkish officials.

Gilad said Israel had already told Turkey last year that Hamas was carrying out “terror-related activity” in Istanbul, but Turkey had not taken action.

The diplomat was speaking days after Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan met visiting Hamas leaders, Reuters added.

Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by the US, Israel and EU.

Gilad said Israel had proof that Turkey was providing passports and identity cards to members of Hamas, which runs Gaza in Palestine.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, Reuters said.