Turkish intel chief Kalin discusses cease-fire negotiations with Hamas officials
Turkish President's then top foreign policy adviser, Ibrahim Kalin answers AFP journalists' questions during an interview at Dolmabahce Presidental Office in Istanbul, Türkiye, Nov. 13, 2021. (AFP Photo)
Türkiye’s intelligence chief and Hamas Political Bureau officials agreed Monday to continue efforts toward securing a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, security sources said.
Ibrahim Kalin, head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT), held a phone conversation with Hamas Political Bureau officials. The discussions centered on the ongoing negotiations with Israel, with both sides committing to further efforts for a cease-fire. U.S. officials have indicated that a deal may be close.
Türkiye remains a staunch international supporter of the Palestinian cause and efforts to broker a cease-fire in Gaza.
Talks on a prisoner swap and cease-fire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., have stalled multiple times due to new conditions imposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Opposition groups in Israel, along with the families of captives, accuse Netanyahu of obstructing progress toward a Gaza cease-fire and a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.
The Israeli military has continued its deadly operations in Gaza, killing nearly 46,600 people, mostly women and children, since Oct. 7, 2023. This comes despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the region.
Efforts to broker a cease-fire have been unsuccessful so far, with Netanyahu resisting calls to end the military campaign. Both sides are now racing to finalize an agreement before the upcoming U.S. administration takes office.
