Key facts
- Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met with a Hamas delegation in Istanbul.
- The meeting addressed the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
- Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire despite alleged Israeli violations.
- Discussions covered increasing humanitarian aid and opening the Rafah Border Crossing.
- The Hamas delegation thanked Turkey for its mediation efforts.
Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met with a senior Hamas delegation in Istanbul to discuss the implementation of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, which is reportedly moving into its second phase. The meeting, which also included Hamas's new political bureau chief Khalil al-Hayya, addressed Israel's intensifying attacks on Gaza and the coordination of humanitarian aid.
Hamas representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire, despite alleging violations by Israel. They also expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Turkey's role as a mediator and guarantor in securing the agreement and monitoring the truce process.
Discussions also covered practical measures for advancing the truce, including increasing humanitarian assistance into Gaza, facilitating the reopening of the Rafah Border Crossing, and the commencement of duties by the National Committee for Gaza Management. Turkey has positioned itself as a key intermediary in the conflict, maintaining communication channels with Hamas and aiming for a broader diplomatic role.
According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israel's actions since October 2023 have resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 171,000 injuries. Despite a ceasefire that began on October 10, Israel has continued attacks, leading to further casualties.