Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in critical discussions with Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday, focusing on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing cease-fire negotiations with Israel.

During the conversation, Fidan highlighted the catastrophic situation in Gaza, where increasing hunger and diseases in the northern region have compounded the suffering of the population. The discussions also covered the latest developments in cease-fire talks with Israel, aiming to bring an end to the prolonged conflict.

The United Nations Security Council had previously demanded an immediate cease-fire through a resolution, which Israel has since disregarded. This continued defiance has drawn significant international condemnation amid Israel's sustained offensive on Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.

According to local health authorities, the conflict has resulted in over 38,700 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, and left more than 89,000 injured. The nine-month Israeli onslaught has devastated vast areas of Gaza, exacerbated by a severe blockade restricting access to food, clean water, and medical supplies.

The International Court of Justice has accused Israel of genocide and recently ordered an immediate halt to its military operations in Rafah. The southern city, which provided refuge for over 1 million Palestinians before its invasion on May 6, remains a focal point of international legal and humanitarian concern. (ILKHA)