Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with members of the politburo of the Palestinian movement Hamas in Istanbul and discussed the latest situation around the Gaza ceasefire talks, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
"H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, met today (October 18) with Mr. Mohammed Ismail Darwish, Chairman of the Hamas Shura Council, and members of the Hamas Political Bureau. During the meeting, the humanitarian situation in the region, especially in northern Gaza, was discussed ... On the agenda of the meeting was the latest situation in the negotiations for a ceasefire agreement that would allow for the exchange of hostages and prisoners," the ministry said in a statement.
On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, fighters of Palestinian movement Hamas infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. In response, the IDF launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave.
The death toll from the Israeli attacks has reached over 42,438, according to local health authorities.