Hamas Delegation Meets Turkish FM Ahead of Gaza Ceasefire Talks

A delegation led by Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Hamas provided Turkey with a detailed memorandum highlighting Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including deadly bombings and restrictions like the closure of the Rafah crossing. Al-Hayya emphasized Hamas's commitment to the ceasefire terms, including the search for and return of Israeli hostages' bodies, while calling for more international efforts to alleviate humanitarian suffering. The meeting occurred ahead of a broader gathering of foreign ministers from the ceasefire guarantor countries, including Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and others, aimed at discussing next steps such as forming a stabilization force and advancing the ceasefire's second phase. Despite the ceasefire, tensions and violence persist, with Hamas consolidating control in Gaza and Israel disputing the identities of bodies returned by Hamas. The talks reflect Turkey's pivotal role in mediating the fragile truce brokered by the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump.