The head of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Ibrahim Kalın discussed the latest developments regarding cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Palestine with the leaders of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas’s political bureau in Ankara on Friday, sources said.
The meeting touched upon several issues, including a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and concrete steps to be taken to facilitate the delivery of more humanitarian assistance to the ravaged Palestinian enclave, which is experiencing a serious humanitarian crisis due to Israel's attacks and blockade.
The sources did not specify the names of the Hamas officials who attended the meeting. Yahya Sinwar is the current political bureau chief of the Palestinian group.
Highlighting the constructive and positive attitude of Hamas in the negotiation process, the officials noted that Israel’s irreconcilable attitude, and it’s additions to the U.N. Security Council-backed cease-fire proposal hinder the process.
The two sides also expressed concern about Israel’s attacks, leading to massacres in Gaza.
MIT has been actively maintaining its contacts with all sides and actors since Oct. 7 to reach a cease-fire, undertaking a critical role in utilizing diplomatic channels with senior Hamas administration, Israel, Qatar, Egypt and the U.S., sources said.
Türkiye has been a fervent critic of Israel, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan comparing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler, accusing Tel Aviv of committing genocide and criticizing Western nations for backing Israel.
In May, Türkiye suspended trade with Israel, citing its assault on Gaza, and in August, formally applied to join South Africa's initiative to have Israel tried for genocide at the ICJ.
