Turkish intelligence chief meets Hamas delegation on Gaza ceasefire plans

Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief İbrahim Kalın held discussions with a senior Hamas delegation in Istanbul on Saturday, focusing on the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement as it transitions into its second phase, according to security sources.

The meeting brought together Kalın and Khalil al-Hayya, who heads Hamas's negotiation team and serves on the group's Political Bureau, along with other Hamas representatives. The consultations addressed practical measures for advancing the truce agreement that has temporarily halted hostilities in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Key Discussion Points

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination on several critical issues, including increasing the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and facilitating the reopening of the Rafah Border Crossing for bidirectional movement. The talks also covered the commencement of operations by the National Committee for Gaza Management (NGAC), the administrative body designated to oversee the territory's reconstruction and governance during the ceasefire period. These elements represent crucial components for sustaining the fragile peace arrangement.

Acknowledgement of Turkish Mediation

During the Istanbul meeting, the Hamas delegation expressed appreciation for Türkiye's diplomatic efforts, specifically thanking President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for Ankara's mediation and guarantor role in securing the ceasefire. The officials acknowledged Türkiye's increasingly prominent involvement in the agreement's second phase, highlighting Ankara's active engagement in regional peace initiatives despite not being a direct party to the war.

Context of Türkiye's Regional Role

This high-level engagement underscores Türkiye's continued diplomatic outreach in the Middle East and its specific focus on the Palestinian issue. By hosting Hamas officials and facilitating discussions on ceasefire implementation, Ankara positions itself as a key mediator capable of engaging with various stakeholders in the Gaza war. The meeting reflects Türkiye's broader foreign policy approach that combines intelligence diplomacy with humanitarian advocacy in regional crisis zones.