Gaza ceasefire talks address work of task force, which also includes Türkiye: Sources

ANKARA/ISTANBUL

Ceasefire talks on Gaza addressed the working principles of a task force, which will also include Türkiye, Turkish security sources said Thursday.

Türkiye is represented in the talks by Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin, the sources say, adding Kalin headed to Egypt on Oct. 7 for indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, marking the first meeting with his Egyptian counterparts.

On Wednesday, Kalin attended talks with Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egypt's Intelligence Chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and his former Middle East advisor Jared Kushner.

The meetings attended by Kalin focused on establishing a ceasefire, exchanging living and deceased prisoners, increasing aid flows into Gaza to a sufficient level, and phasing out the Israeli occupation of Gaza.

The Turkish intelligence chief also maintained close contact with the Hamas delegation during those meetings.

Türkiye advocated an approach based on the principle of Gazan-led governance during the talks.

The negotiations also addressed the implementation of the ceasefire and mechanisms for preventing conflict.

Palestinian officials expressed their gratitude to Türkiye for its contributions, especially Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's efforts, the sources added.