Turkey's Intelligence Chief Discusses Gaza Ceasefire with Hamas

Ibrahim Kalin, the head of Turkish intelligence, met with senior Hamas leaders in Ankara on Saturday to address humanitarian aid for Gaza and discussions about a permanent ceasefire, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The meeting between Kalin, head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), and Mohammad Darwish, head of Hamas’ political council, centered on addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and promoting diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Hamas once again reiterated its call for an all-encompassing ceasefire to effectuate a prisoner exchange agreement, which would grant Hamas the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza for the release of other Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Hamas also demanded other items, including an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, rebuilding assistance to the Gazans, and an end to the Israeli blockade. Kalin supported the Palestinian right to self-determination and stated that Turkey would oppose any Israeli attempts to displace residents from Gaza and annex any land.

The discussions involve Egypt's suggestion to create an independent governing authority in Gaza made up of nonpartisan Palestinian individuals. Hamas stated that they may be agreeable to the plan. However, Israel has repeatedly rejected the possibility of Hamas being involved in any kind of postwar governance.

Israel resumed its military campaign in March, after a two-month ceasefire, and continues to impose a total blockade on Gaza, which Israel claims is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release the remaining 59 hostages. Palestinian health officials have reported a total of over 51,000 deaths since the war on Gaza began in October 2023, including 1,691 reported deaths since the ceasefire ended. With restrictions on access for aid agencies and military activity continuing, the UN warned that Gaza faces a situation of unprecedented starvation and total collapse of infrastructure.