Hamas Delegation Meets Turkish Intelligence Chief in Istanbul to Discuss Ceasefire Phase Two

A high-level delegation from the Palestinian group Hamas convened in Istanbul on Saturday, January 24, 2026, for talks with Ibrahim Kalin, the head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT). The meeting centered on advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and ensuring the fulfillment of the first phase's requirements.

Key Participants and Agenda

The Hamas delegation was led by Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent member of Hamas' Political Bureau and chief of its negotiation team. He was accompanied by Zaher Jabarin, who leads the movement in the occupied West Bank, Mahmoud Mardawe, and Mousa Aqqari, Hamas' representative in Turkey. The discussions with Mr. Kalin covered several critical points aimed at stabilizing the region and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The primary topics addressed during the meeting included:

• The implementation and requirements of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
• Strategies for increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
• The full reopening of the Rafah Border Crossing in both directions to facilitate movement and aid delivery.
• The initiation of duties by the National Committee for Gaza Management (NGAC).
• Continued mutual consultation and coordination between the parties.

Expressions of Gratitude and Regional Context

During the talks, the Hamas delegation conveyed its gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Turkey's 'mediation and guarantor role' in efforts to secure peace in Gaza. They also acknowledged Ankara's 'increasingly prominent role' in the second phase of the peace plan.

Turkey has historically maintained relations with Hamas, which it does not classify as a terrorist organization, and has provided a safe haven for some of its officials. This engagement aligns with Turkey's broader foreign policy objective of playing a mediating role in the region and supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Calls for Accountability

Following the meeting, Hamas issued a statement calling on the 'Peace Council' to 'assume its responsibility to stop the occupation's violations and hold it accountable for the obligations of the agreement, primarily the entry of aid and shelter necessities, and the initiation of relief and reconstruction.' The statement also emphasized Hamas's 'adherence and commitment to the ceasefire agreement,' while noting 'continuous violations of its terms by the occupation.'