Türkiye rejects claims of pressuring Hamas in ceasefire talks
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Türkiye has categorically denied reports alleging that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pressured Hamas to make concessions during ceasefire negotiations with Israel, labeling the claims as false.
The rebuttal follows a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which cited unnamed Palestinian sources close to Hamas, alleging that Türkiye, acting on a U.S. request, urged the group to soften its stance. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli told Middle East Eye that the allegations "do not reflect the truth."
On Sunday, Fidan met with Muhammad Ismail Darwish, Chairman of Hamas’s Shura Council, and other senior Hamas officials in Doha. According to an official Turkish statement, the discussions centered on securing a long-term ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating urgent humanitarian aid to the region.
Sources in Ankara clarified that Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts aim to broker a viable ceasefire proposal, not to pressure Hamas. The goal, officials said, is to craft an agreement that could be presented to Washington, potentially to U.S. President Donald Trump, to advance peace efforts and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Türkiye has long advocated for Palestinian rights and maintains open communication with Hamas as part of its broader push for a just resolution to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. (ILKHA)
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