Hamas calls for cease-fire with Türkiye as guarantor, Israel favors escalation
President Erdogan received Ismail Heniye, Head of Hamas Political Bureau, Ankara, Aptil 20, 2024, Anadolu Agency
After the United Nations Security Council endorsed U.S. President Joe Biden’s three-stage plan for a cease-fire in Gaza, efforts toward mediation gained momentum. The cease-fire became the primary focus during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel.
Palestinian resistance group Hamas did not reject Biden’s proposal and issued a statement saying it would accept the proposed cease-fire if Türkiye and Russia became guarantors of the agreement.
Türkiye has been vocal about pressuring Israel to halt attacks on Gaza, and it has supported Hamas’ proposal for Türkiye to act as guarantor for a cease-fire. This stance was initially brought up by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. However, Israel has shown resistance to this proposal.
Israel-based daily Yedioth Ahronoth claimed that a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas is not possible. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced that the war would continue.
