Türkiye’s FM Meets Hamas Leader to Discuss Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, held a crucial meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of Hamas, as confirmed by Turkish diplomatic sources. The discussions, which took place on Saturday, centered on urgent matters, including the immediate establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza, the escalation of humanitarian aid efforts, the release of hostages, and the pursuit of a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region.

The Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges, with 85 percent of the population internally displaced and acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Furthermore, 60 percent of the enclave’s infrastructure has sustained damage or destruction, as reported by the United Nations.

Last October, amid intensified Israeli attacks on Gaza, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in discussions with Ismail Haniyeh. President Erdogan assured that Türkiye would actively work to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and offer medical treatment in Türkiye for the wounded if necessary.

President Erdogan reiterated the stance that a permanent solution requires the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital. He underlined Türkiye’s commitment to advocating for lasting peace on the international stage.

Since the cross-border attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, Israel has conducted relentless air and ground assaults on Gaza. The conflict has resulted in a significant toll, with at least 24,927 Palestinians killed, predominantly women and children, and 62,388 others injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.