Türkiye’s influence significant in reaching Gaza cease-fire deal: Hamas

Hamas Political Bureau member Mohammed Nazzal has emphasized Türkiye‘s significant role in bringing the Gaza cease-fire negotiations, held in Doha, Qatar, to an agreement.

Speaking to Turkish news agency Anadolu at the Hamas Political Office in Doha, Nazzal detailed the long negotiation process that led to the recent Gaza cease-fire. He underscored Türkiye’s consistent involvement in the talks.

“Türkiye was never distant from these negotiations and especially in recent months, they followed it closely,” he said.

‘Israel objected Türkiye’s active role in Gaza cease-fire negotiations’

Although Israel objected to Türkiye’s active role, we always said that Türkiye should be involved in the process in some way,” Nazzal added.

He went on to highlight Türkiye’s critical influence, adding, “Even if the Turks were not at the table, they persistently and resolutely followed the negotiations and closely monitored developments.”

“Their influence in bringing the negotiations and the resulting agreement to this point was significant,” he noted.

‘Not only fighting military strugglea gainst Israel, but also political’

Nazzal also accused Israel of attempting to achieve through negotiations what it could not gain through military means.

“We are not only fighting a military struggle against Zionist Israel, but we are also engaged in a political struggle. The most crucial aspect of this political struggle is the Gaza cease-fire negotiations,” Nazzal said.

He described the negotiation process, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., as being filled with challenges. “The Zionists tried hard to obtain at the negotiating table what they couldn’t get through military operations and attacks,” he added.

Palestinians in Ramallah prepare to welcome detainees set to be released from Israel's Ofer Prison, as part of ongoing cease-fire pic.twitter.com/UFmkkUKgk2

— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) January 19, 2025

Cease-fire takes effect amid delays

The cease-fire agreement took effect at 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT) on Sunday, after being delayed by a few hours due to Israeli accusations that Hamas had delayed the release of a list of captives. The agreement was initially scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. local time.

Since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, nearly 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 110,700 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, with more than 11,000 people missing and many elderly and children among the casualties.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.