Turkish Intelligence Head Engages with Hamas Officials on Gaza Ceasefire
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Synopsis
Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin has conducted discussions with Hamas officials concerning the ongoing ceasefire efforts in Gaza. Recent negotiations show progress, and both parties emphasize the need for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Ibrahim Kalin from Turkey's intelligence discussed ceasefire with Hamas.
- Negotiations have progressed in Qatar's Doha.
- Hamas provided a positive response to a ceasefire draft.
- Israel confirms ongoing efforts for a deal.
- Over 46,000 casualties reported in Gaza due to airstrikes.
Ankara, Jan 14 (NationPress) The chief of Turkish intelligence, Ibrahim Kalin, engaged in discussions with officials from Hamas' political bureau concerning the ongoing initiatives for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as reported by Turkey's semi-official Anadolu Agency.
Kalin conducted phone conversations with Hamas representatives to assess the progress and current state of the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, as cited by Xinhua news agency referencing Anadolu.
Both parties agreed on the vital need to sustain diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire.
The indirect discussions between Hamas and Israel in Qatar's Doha have shown advancements toward a ceasefire agreement, confirmed Palestinian and Israeli officials on Monday.
According to a senior official from Hamas, the group provided a “positive” reaction to a draft ceasefire agreement proposed by mediators in Doha.
An insider familiar with the Doha negotiation process, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “Hamas did not express any objection to the draft, hoping that a ceasefire will be reached as soon as possible to end the suffering of the Palestinian people in the coastal enclave.”
“Currently, we are waiting for the final Israeli response,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed that progress had been made in the discussions occurring in Qatar, and Israel “is working hard to reach a deal.”
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Qatar on January 3, according to Hamas, shortly after Egypt hosted delegations from both the movement and Israel to facilitate a truce agreement in Gaza.
In recent months, mediation efforts from Egypt, Qatar, and the US have not succeeded in establishing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas since the initial truce, which lasted a week between November and December 2023.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched an assault on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of approximately 250 others. Currently, 98 of these hostages are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza, with at least one-third presumed deceased.
The military response from Israel has led to extensive destruction in Gaza. Health authorities in Gaza, under Hamas administration, reported that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 46,584 individuals in the region.
