Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has begun negotiations with Hamas to obtain the release of hostages captured by the Palestinian Islamist group during its surprise offensive in the Gaza Strip last weekend. Dozens of Israelis and foreigners remain held hostage by Hamas fighters.
Turkey has been in contact with Hamas on several occasions in the past and has mediated between the Islamist group and the Palestinian National Authority in previous attempts to end internal disputes. Some Hamas members have lived in Turkey, and some are rumored to have received Turkish passports, although the most prominent leaders have been sent out of the country in recent years as the Turkish government sought to improve relations with Israel.
Erdogan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to mediate the situation, holding telephone conversations with leaders in the Middle East and Europe, as well as the presidents of Palestine and Israel. The Turkish initiative seeks to end the crisis and ensure the safe release of the hostages in Gaza.