Ismail Haniyeh, a leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, arrived in Istanbul on Friday evening for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan amidst the rising death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 34,000.
A statement released by Hamas on Friday indicated that Erdogan and Haniyeh would address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the head of Hamas’s political bureau being accompanied by a delegation.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following Israel’s reported attack on Iran, while Gaza is preparing for a potential new Israeli offensive.
While Erdogan reaffirmed on Wednesday his commitment “to advocate for the Palestinian cause and be a voice for the oppressed Palestinian people,” he declined to provide specifics about the upcoming meeting when questioned by journalists on Friday.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who met with Haniyeh and his aides in Qatar on Wednesday, stated that they engaged in extensive discussions, particularly regarding ceasefire negotiations. Qatar, acting as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, acknowledged on Wednesday that progress in ending hostilities in Gaza and securing the release of hostages had stalled.
Fidan stressed the importance of Hamas clearly articulating its expectations, especially concerning a two-state solution, during his conversations with Haniyeh, who resides in Qatar. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.
Erdogan’s previous meeting with Haniyeh occurred in July 2023, when Erdogan hosted him and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas at the presidential palace in Ankara. Haniyeh last met with Fidan in Turkey on January 2.
The conflict in Gaza began after an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,170 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Militants also took around 250 hostages, with Israel estimating that approximately 129 are still being held in Gaza, including 34 presumed dead.
Israel’s retaliatory military operations have resulted in at least 34,012 deaths, primarily women and children, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
