Critical meeting in Istanbul: Minister Fidan met with Hamas members.

A critical meeting took place between Turkey, which has reacted most strongly to the massacre carried out by Israel in Gaza, and Hamas members. Following the martyrdom of Yahya Sinvar, who was elected to replace Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Hamas Shura Council President Muhammed Derviş İsmail and members of the Hamas Political Bureau in Istanbul.

TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THE MEETING

In a written statement regarding the meeting from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated, "The humanitarian situation in the region, especially in northern Gaza, has been addressed. Our Minister has expressed that we will use all diplomatic means to mobilize the international community against the humanitarian disaster occurring in Gaza. The latest status of negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire agreement that would enable the exchange of hostages/prisoners was also discussed in the meeting. The process of reconciliation among Palestinians was also evaluated. Our Minister has expressed his appreciation for the recent meeting held in Cairo, hosted by Egypt. On the occasion of the meeting, our Minister also conveyed his condolences to Hamas officials regarding the martyrdom of Yahya Sinvar," it was said.

SINVAR HAD BEEN A TARGET OF ISRAEL FOR A LONG TIME

Hamas announced that Yahya Sinvar was appointed to replace Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran, the capital of Iran, in August. Hamas Political Bureau Member Hayye stated that Yahya Sinvar was killed in an Israeli attack. Hayye noted that Sinvar stood out without faltering, fought in the front lines, and moved between combat positions. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz recently reported that Israel had bombed tunnels in areas where Sinvar was suspected to be hiding in recent months. It was claimed that Israel had promised Sinvar a "safe exit" from Gaza in exchange for the immediate release of all hostages last month. Sinvar was known as the chief architect of the Israeli attack on October 7, 2023.