Turkish foreign minister, Hamas leader discuss latest developments in Palestine

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday had a phone conversation with Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of Palestinian group Hamas, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues into its second week, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

Fidan and Haniyye discussed the latest developments in Palestine and the possibility of the release of civilians, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking with the media.

The latest conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Since then the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has risen to 2,750, including 750 children.

In Israel, 1,300 have been killed.

The issue of civilians being held by Hamas has drawn interest, with Turkish officials speaking of a possibly mediating an exchange of detainees between Israel and the Palestinian group.

Some have voiced hope that civilians held by Hamas, who might come in harm’s way in an Israeli land operation, might give Tel Aviv reason to postpone such an operation.