release of hostages: Turkey moves forward with its initiative

The Trump effect? Turkey advances initiative to free Gaza hostages

Shin Bet security agency head's secret visit to Ankara reveals new channel for hostage negotiations.

On Shachar Kleiman

Turkey has launched a new diplomatic initiative to negotiate the release of Israeli hostages held by the Hamas terror group, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported, marking a potential shift in regional dynamics amid speculation about Israeli influence. former President Trump on Middle East policy.

According to a senior Hamas source, Turkish authorities have invited the Israeli government to resume negotiations that could lead to the conclusion of the Gaza war and the return of the 101 Israelis held hostage in Gaza for more than a year. The source indicated that Ankara has positioned itself to facilitate direct communications with the Hamas leadership.

The official, however, said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “derailed the Turkish initiative from the start by rejecting both Turkish mediation and Ankara's role as an intermediary in the situation in Gaza.”

Israelis demonstrate for the release of hostages held by the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Gideon Markowicz)

According to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper, Shin Bet security agency director Ronen Bar made an undisclosed visit to Turkey on Saturday, where he met with the director of Turkish intelligence services to discuss the status of hostages in Gaza.

Sources said the diplomatic engagement followed similar patterns to Israel's approach since the start of the conflict, characterized as “delaying tactics to buy time” and using initiative to respond to domestic pressure within Israel. .

A senior Israeli diplomatic official told Israel Hayom that Netanyahu had authorized Ronen's visit to Turkey to study possible modalities for the release of the hostages and to discuss bilateral relations. The visit comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House with his pro-Israel team.

The Turkish diplomatic overture indicates a significant change in President Erdogan's position, reflecting an understanding of potential changes in Washington's diplomatic stance. As Turkey continues to serve as a base for senior Hamas officials, Israel is exploring this new avenue for the release of hostages, alongside existing mediation efforts.

JForum.fr with ILH