Ankara: Trkiye's intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin stated that the ceasefire in Gaza marks the end of a significant and painful chapter. Speaking at the opening of the National Intelligence Academy's International Congress on Intelligence Studies in Ankara, Kalin expressed that the truce reached this week between Israel and Hamas represents a historic turning point, but cautioned that its implementation will require 'great vigilance and care.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Kalin, head of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), remarked, 'With the establishment of the ceasefire in Gaza, as of this morning, we have left behind an important period in our recent history. The genocide policies carried out against the people of Gaza for two years have, as of today, ended with this ceasefire.'
The ceasefire agreement was initially announced by US President Donald Trump, based on his 20-point ceasefire plan. This includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the entire Gaza Strip. Additionally, the plan calls for a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas' participation, forming a security force comprising Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, and disarming Hamas. It also stipulates Arab and Islamic funding for the new administration and the reconstruction of the enclave, with limited participation from the Palestinian Authority.
Kalin described the truce as "fragile," highlighting that enforcing it will be a delicate and critical process. 'The implementation of the ceasefire will be our most important responsibility. It requires sensitivity and attention, as violations or acts of sabotage can always occur in such fragile environments. But as of today, we have a ceasefire before us,' he stated.
The intelligence chief underscored that the ceasefire should be seen as the first step toward resolving the decades-long conflict rather than its conclusion. 'This ceasefire is not the solution itself - it is only the first step. The real solution will only come when a Palestinian state is established and a two-state solution is implemented in the Middle East,' Kalin noted.
He further added that Trkiye believes achieving such a resolution is possible, emphasizing the importance of political will and determination. 'During the intense negotiations held a day ago, we saw clearly that where mutual trust is lacking, what resolves problems is willpower, intent, determination - and the hope these generate,' he explained.
On the establishment of the National Intelligence Academy, Kalin mentioned that it was set up about a year and a half ago, and has already begun to play 'a key role in shaping the intelligence discipline and ecosystem in Trkiye' through research, reports, and workshops.