Gaza Ceasefire Talks Expand in Egypt With Türkiye's Key Participation

Expanded Gaza ceasefire negotiations commenced Wednesday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin playing a prominent role in the high-stakes diplomatic efforts. The talks bring together key regional and international figures seeking to implement a U.S.-mediated peace plan that could end the ongoing conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip since October 2023.

The negotiation session includes significant representation from regional powers, with Turkish National Intelligence Organization head Ibrahim Kalin participating alongside Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. The U.S. delegation features Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Israel is represented by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in the indirect discussions with Hamas representatives.

The diplomatic effort centers on a 20-point peace framework unveiled September 29 that outlines a path toward conflict resolution. The proposal includes provisions for the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, establishment of a sustainable ceasefire, disarmament arrangements, and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza's devastated infrastructure. Hamas officials have indicated preliminary acceptance of the proposal's basic principles.

Türkiye's active participation in the Sharm el-Sheikh talks underscores Ankara's continued diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern peace processes and its commitment to Palestinian welfare. The expanded negotiations represent one of the most substantial international efforts to address a conflict that has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian fatalities and created unprecedented humanitarian challenges in the coastal territory.