The United States said on Tuesday it strongly objected to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent hosting of two leaders of Hamas in Istanbul, prompting a swift riposte from Ankara.
The State Department said the officials were Specially Designated Global Terrorists and the United States was seeking information about one for his involvement in multiple terrorist attacks, hijackings, and kidnappings.
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A Turkish government statement on Saturday said Erdogan received Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and accompanying delegation.
On Tuesday, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said Ankara "fully rejects" the US 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."
