Turkey’s Mediator Role in Israeli-Hamas Negotiations Disputed

Reports have emerged suggesting that Turkey could serve as a mediator in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, following the relocation of several Hamas leaders to the country. This development, however, appears to be met with skepticism by Israeli officials. Israeli sources told The Jerusalem Post they were unaware of any Turkish involvement in mediation efforts, expressing doubts about its feasibility. «I don’t know of any Turkish involvement, and I don’t think there could be,» one Israeli source remarked.

Historically, Qatar and Egypt have been the main intermediaries in attempts to secure the release of 101 hostages held by Hamas, with support from the United States. However, talks have stalled since August, notably due to challenges faced by U.S. officials following President Joe Biden‘s impending departure from office on January 20. Hopes for resuming negotiations briefly rose after the assassination of Yahya Sinwar, a senior Hamas figure in Gaza, though the organization has since rejected subsequent offers.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently convened a meeting to discuss the hostage situation with key figures, including IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi, Mossad chief David Barnea, and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, among others. Discussions sought ways to rekindle discussions with Hamas, although a stalemate persists.

During an interview with Sky News, Hamas official Basem Naim indicated a readiness to exchange all captured Israelis if Israeli authorities reciprocated by releasing Hamas prisoners. «We are ready immediately for a ceasefire to end this war and go for a serious prisoner exchange,» Naim stated. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to demand that Israel end its military operations in Gaza before considering any negotiation outcomes.

Qatar has temporarily withdrawn from the mediation process, pending serious commitments from both parties to negotiate. The Qatari government had even urged Hamas leaders to leave the country, aligning with a U.S. strategy aimed at pressuring the group toward a deal. This request has not been publicly acknowledged by Qatar, whose mediation role has partly relied on hosting Hamas leaders.

Speculations regarding Turkey arose after KAN News reported that some Hamas leaders might have relocated there. Turkish diplomatic sources quickly dismissed claims of Hamas moving its political base from Qatar to Turkey, emphasizing that Hamas officials make only occasional visits. Previously, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had offered to mediate between Israel and Hamas. Despite Turkey’s past involvement, current tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem complicate possibilities of Turkey fulfilling such a role.

Turkey, a NATO member, has often criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon and does not label Hamas as a terrorist organization. The diplomatic friction between the two nations makes Israel skeptical of Turkish mediation, despite historical precedents of Turkey acting as an intermediary. Reuters has contributed to this report.