Foreign minister, intel chief hold talks with Hamas officials

ANKARA

Türkiye’s top diplomat and intelligence chief held separate talks with a Hamas delegation in the capital Ankara, officials said on March 31, as discussions focused on the war in Gaza and broader regional tensions.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with a delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, a member of the Palestinian group's political bureau, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

In a separate meeting, Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT) head İbrahim Kalın also received al-Hayya and accompanying officials, according to security sources.

The talks addressed Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, the humanitarian situation in the enclave, and violence in the occupied West Bank, the sources said. Discussions also covered restrictions on worship at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.

Both sides emphasized the importance of Israel fulfilling its obligations under the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire framework and exchanged views on advancing its second phase, the sources added.

The Hamas delegation expressed appreciation for Ankara’s diplomatic efforts aimed at securing peace in Gaza.

Separately, Fidan met with Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh in Ankara. Turkish officials said Fidan reiterated Türkiye’s continued support during the meeting.

He was expected to reiterate that Türkiye will not allow the Netanyahu government’s efforts to undermine the two-state solution and violations of international law in the Palestinian territories.

The two officials also exchanged views about the work of the Board of Peace, the latest situation in the field and the steps that can be taken in the coming period.

The unity between different Palestinian groups constitutes an important urgency for the Palestinian cause and resumption of talks to this end will be significant, Fidan was to tell Sheikh, referring to the suspended process between Hamas and Fatah.

Meanwhile, Fidan also held talks with Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, the ministry said, without providing further details.