Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Director İbrahim Kalın met on Tuesday with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Cairo to discuss the transition to the second phase of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire deal and to strengthen coordinated diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation.

Egypt’s General Intelligence Service Director Hassan Rashad also attended the meeting, reflecting the deepening cooperation among regional mediators working to ensure the ceasefire continues despite repeated Israeli violations.

According to diplomatic sources, the sides agreed to intensify joint coordination — particularly through the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) — to remove obstacles hindering the implementation of the ceasefire and to prevent further breaches on the ground. Officials emphasized the need to hold the Israeli occupation accountable for respecting the terms of the agreement and ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian access to Gaza’s devastated population.

Ceasefire’s First Phase Nearing Completion Amid Ongoing Israeli Violations

The Cairo meeting comes as the first phase of the US-backed Gaza agreement approaches its final hours. Only three Israeli captives remain inside Gaza, and Israeli forces have reportedly withdrawn behind the so-called “Yellow Line” in the Gaza Strip.

However, the occupation’s actions on Tuesday underscored persisting tensions. Israeli forces claimed to have retrieved the remains of a captive from Gaza and transported them to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for identification. Hamas stated that the remains belonged to a captive killed earlier during Israeli bombardments and noted that the transfer occurred only after a brief handover procedure witnessed by Red Cross representatives.

Palestinian sources said the Israeli move once again demonstrated Tel Aviv’s pattern of exploiting the ceasefire window for military and propaganda objectives, rather than engaging sincerely in a negotiated path toward lasting calm.

Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt Push for Next Steps Despite Obstacles

With the ceasefire’s continuation hinging on cooperation among mediators, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt are working to launch the agreement’s second phase — a stage expected to involve more complex negotiations concerning broader prisoner exchanges, humanitarian expansion, and potential de-escalation mechanisms.

Regional officials reiterated that the priority remains protecting Palestinian civilians, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of aid into Gaza, and preventing Israel from using the ceasefire to regroup militarily.

As the mediators prepare for the next phase, pressure is mounting on the international community — particularly Washington — to restrain Israel’s ongoing violations and ensure that the ceasefire becomes a gateway to a broader, durable resolution rooted in justice for the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)