Türkish intel chief, Hamas leader discuss Gaza ceasefire, humanitarian aid

Director of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organisation (MİT) İbrahim Kalın has met with Mohammad Ismail Darwish, Chairman of the Hamas Leadership Council, and his accompanying delegation amid discussions of a possible ceasefire in Gaza.

According to security sources, the meeting primarily focused on the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The parties discussed the urgent need to end the devastation and humanitarian tragedy, emphasising Türkiye’s ongoing efforts with the international community to ensure immediate passage of aid.

The talks also addressed the critical matter of achieving reconciliation among Palestinian factions during this sensitive period. Both sides thoroughly examined the steps required to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

During the meeting, MİT chief Kalın underlined Türkiye’s support for the Palestinian people.

Note that on June 29, Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed dozens of Palestinians, including aid seekers near food distribution centres, as the humanitarian crisis worsens daily. 

Medical sources told Qatari media that at least 72 people have died since dawn on June 29, with heavy casualties in Gaza City and northern areas.

Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City is overwhelmed, with many wounded civilians, including children, lying untreated due to critical shortages of beds and medical supplies.

The Israeli military has dropped leaflets urging civilians in eastern Gaza City to move south, often followed by intense attacks causing mass casualties.

Five Palestinians seeking aid near centres operated by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) were among the dead.

Since late May, Israeli soldiers have regularly fired at crowds near GHF distribution points, killing over 580 and injuring thousands.

Australian nurse Christy Black, volunteering in Gaza, described desperate conditions, reporting infant deaths from malnutrition and widespread respiratory illnesses linked to ongoing bombardment.

Children are reportedly scavenging for food amid worsening shortages.

By Aghakazim Guliyev