Türkiye engages with Hamas after Sinwar killing

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held discussions with Hamas leaders on Friday focusing on recent developments in negotiations for a ceasefire agreement that could facilitate a prisoner exchange.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fidan met with Mohammed Ismail Darwish, President of the Hamas Shura Council, along with members of the Hamas Political Bureau in Istanbul. The discussions addressed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in northern Gaza and the broader region.

Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to leveraging all diplomatic means to mobilize the international community in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. “We will use all the diplomatic tools at our disposal to activate international efforts against the humanitarian disaster occurring in Gaza,” he stated.

The meeting also reviewed the status of ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire agreement that would enable the exchange of hostages. Additionally, the talks included evaluations of the reconciliation process among Palestinian factions, with Fidan expressing appreciation for a recent meeting held in Cairo, hosted by Egypt.

During the discussions, Fidan extended his condolences to Hamas officials regarding the death of Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas’s Political Bureau, who was killed in an Israeli attack.