ANKARA: Hamas’s Qatar-based leader, Ismail Haniyeh, engaged in a significant diplomatic meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday, marking the first official contact between the two in over three months. The meeting primarily focused on the release of approximately 250 hostages taken by Hamas during unprecedented attacks in Israel on October 7.
The discussions aimed at establishing a ceasefire swiftly and addressing the remaining captives were at the forefront of the talks, according to diplomatic sources. Additionally, the meeting covered topics such as increasing humanitarian aid and exploring a two-state solution for a lasting peace in the region.
Haniyeh and Fidan’s last official contact occurred in a phone call on October 16. The October attacks by Hamas prompted Israel to vow to dismantle the group, resulting in significant casualties. The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the well-being of civilians in the region, with both sides experiencing substantial losses.
ALSO READ: Hamas Chief Calls on Blinken to End Israeli ‘Aggression’ During Middle East Tour
Istanbul, previously a base for Hamas political leaders, played a crucial role in hosting the meeting. Turkey had requested Hamas leaders to leave after some were captured celebrating the October attacks, marking the deadliest in Israel’s history. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become a vocal critic of the scale of destruction in Gaza, likening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler and accusing the United States of supporting the “genocide” of Palestinians.
The diplomatic engagement signifies a potential shift in addressing the ongoing crisis, as international actors explore avenues for a ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, and a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
