FM Fidan meets Hamas Shura Council chief in Ankara to discuss attempts for Gaza cease-fire

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Saturday with Muhammad Darwish, head of Hamas’ Shura Council, and his delegation in Ankara to discuss efforts aimed at securing a cease-fire in Gaza, Turkish diplomatic sources said.

During the meeting, both sides stressed that Israel’s ongoing blockade on humanitarian aid is pushing Palestinians in Gaza toward starvation, urging the international community to intensify efforts to ensure the delivery of critical assistance to the enclave.

Forcibly displacing Palestinians unacceptable

They also condemned any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland, calling such actions unacceptable.

The talks addressed the situation in the West Bank as well, warning that Israeli policies aimed at entrenching the occupation now pose a serious threat to regional peace.

Efforts to promote reconciliation among Palestinian factions were also on the agenda. Fidan emphasized the need for unity among Palestinians and reaffirmed Türkiye’s readiness to support all initiatives that foster intra-Palestinian harmony.

Turkish intel chief meets Hamas delegation

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Kalin, head of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), held a separate meeting with a Hamas delegation led by Muhammad Ismail Darwish, chairman of the Hamas Shura Council, to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza under the Israeli blockade.

According to Turkish security sources, the meeting focused on possible measures to ensure the delivery of aid and enhance coordination of international efforts in response to the ongoing crisis.

Kalin and the delegation also assessed the latest developments surrounding efforts to achieve a lasting and comprehensive cease-fire in Gaza.