Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has initiated discussions with Hamas in an effort to secure the release of Israeli hostages who were taken during a recent attack carried out by the Palestinian resistance group.
A high-ranking Turkish official, speaking under the condition of anonymity, disclosed that President Erdogan has ordered these negotiations.
Turkey, which has historical ties with Hamas, is actively engaging in diplomatic endeavors to mediate the conflict resulting from the recent surprise attack by Hamas on Israel.
Turkey’s commitment to this initiative is apparent in President Erdogan’s conversations with regional leaders. During these discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Erdogan conveyed Ankara’s willingness to mediate and aid in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
The Turkish official offered insights into the negotiations, stating, “Turkey is in talks concerning the release of civilian prisoners held by Hamas.” However, the official did not disclose any further information about the negotiations.
Turkey has consistently backed the Palestinian cause and supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The country is home to members of Hamas and has been working on repairing its strained relationship with Israel, particularly through energy cooperation.
As the conflict in the region escalates, Turkey has called for restraint and underscored the importance of safeguarding civilians on both sides. Ankara has also expressed concerns about the potential for the conflict to expand further, emphasizing that regional peace hinges on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
In response to the crisis, President Erdogan strongly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling them as a “massacre.” He pointed to the adverse effects of the blockade, which has disrupted essential services like water and electricity, and lamented the loss of civilian lives.
