Turkish intelligence chief discusses Gaza ceasefire with Hamas's Khalil al-Hayya - report

Kalin and al-Hayya reportedly discussed the final stage of the US-brokered ceasefire negotiations, and Turkey's ongoing efforts to "end the humanitarian crisis and devastation in Gaza."

 Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya seen with Gazan residents in the background (illustrative) (photo credit: OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/KFIR)
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya seen with Gazan residents in the background (illustrative)
(photo credit: OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/KFIR)

Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin held a phone conversation with Hamas Deputy Political Bureau Chief Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas's negotiation delegation, Turkish Anadolu Agency reported on Monday.

According to the report, Kalin and al-Hayya discussed the final stage of the US-brokered ceasefire negotiations, as well as Turkey's ongoing efforts—coordinated with the international community—to "end the humanitarian crisis and devastation in Gaza" and to ensure the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, Anadolu Agency wrote.

Anadolu Agency also noted that Kalin emphasized the importance of continuing ceasefire talks, which the United States, Qatar, and Egypt are mediating.

Hamas says it had not rejected Witkoff proposal for ceasefire

On Saturday, Hamas said it had not rejected a ceasefire proposal presented by US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, senior Hamas official Basem Naim told Reuters.

Naim said Israel's response to Witkoff's proposal was incompatible with what the group agreed on, adding that the US envoy's position towards the group was "unfair" and showed "complete bias" towards Israel.

 Ibrahim Kalin, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman and chief foreign policy adviser, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Istanbul, Turkey May 14, 2022. (credit: MURAD SEZER/REUTERS)
Ibrahim Kalin, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman and chief foreign policy adviser, speaks during an interview with Reuters in Istanbul, Turkey May 14, 2022. (credit: MURAD SEZER/REUTERS)

Witkoff slammed Hamas for making what he called "backward" changes to the US-backed hostage deal proposal.