Governance

Turkish foreign minister, Hamas leader discuss Gaza cease-fire negotiations

ANKARA: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the head of the Hamas movement's Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday discussed latest the latest situation in the Gaza cease-fire negotiations, according to diplomatic sources. This came during a phone call between Fidan and Haniyeh, the sources said. Israel has waged a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip in retaliation for an Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 people. More than 35,200 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, mostly women and children, and over 79,000 others injured, according to Palestinian health authorities. In the West Bank, nearly 500 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured since Oct. 7, along with daily arrest campaigns by the Israeli army. Israel is accused of 'genocide' at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. * Writing by Seda Sevencan Source: Anadolu Agency