Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met senior Hamas officials on Wednesday in Ankara to push forward the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The meeting aimed to assess progress and find ways to launch the next stage of the peace plan. The discussions came as tensions persist and ceasefire progress stalls.
Hamas delegation members told Fidan they had met their obligations under the current ceasefire deal but said Israeli attacks were blocking progress toward the next phase. They stressed that continued violence undermined trust and threatened the broader peace process. Hamas also voiced deep concern about the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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Officials said the current level of humanitarian shipments was not enough, especially for medicine, housing supplies, and fuel. They urged more concrete action to ease suffering in the Gaza Strip. The issue of limited aid has been a key point in regional talks on advancing the agreement.
International mediators, including the United States, Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, have been working to overcome obstacles to the next phase of the deal, which is expected to begin in early 2026. These talks aim to address governance issues in Gaza and create conditions for lasting stability.
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Despite diplomatic efforts, sporadic violence continues and humanitarian needs remain high. Progress hinges on mutual compliance with ceasefire terms and improved aid access, say officials involved in negotiations.