Turkey’s intelligence chief held high-level talks with senior Hamas leaders in Doha over the weekend, discussing humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza as Israel conducts military offensive, Turkish and Palestinian sources confirmed on Sunday.
Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), met with members of Hamas’ political bureau, including Ismail Haniyeh, to discuss the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. This meeting took place as part of Ankara’s diplomatic engagement with regional actors involved in this crisis.
Turkish officials reported that discussions focused on providing humanitarian aid, medical supplies and food to civilians in Gaza who have been suffering under months of bombardment and blockade. Discussions also addressed establishing a sustained ceasefire and freeing hostages.
“Turkey remains committed to providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people and is taking measures to de-escalate tensions through consultations among all involved,” according to a Turkish diplomatic source.
Hamas, which maintains political offices in Doha, expressed its appreciation for Turkey’s involvement, praising their efforts to break what they termed the “siege on Gaza” and support the Palestinian cause.
Turkey plays an essential role in advocating for Palestinian rights and encouraging humanitarian aid delivery during catastrophic circumstances,” according to a senior Hamas official who addressed this meeting.
Ankara has made efforts to position itself as a mediator in the region, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeatedly condemning Israeli military operations in Gaza and demanding an immediate ceasefire and international intervention to end civilian suffering. This visit underlines these efforts.
However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. UN agencies report food insecurity is at critical levels, hospitals are overwhelmed and displaced families lack basic necessities; aid convoys continue to be limited due to ongoing airstrikes and security concerns.
Turkey, Qatar and Egypt have been working to coordinate aid flows and lobby for a ceasefire agreement, but hopes of progress remain uncertain given that neither side has shown signs of cooperation.
Ankara intends to play an active and leading role in regional diplomacy as one of the worst humanitarian crises ever witnessed in Middle Eastern history unfolds. Kalin’s visit is part of this strategy.