Hamas Offers Hostage Release in Exchange for Prisoners Amid Ongoing Gaza Negotiations

Ankara: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs has declared that Hamas is ready to release hostages in exchange for several prisoners, with negotiations on Gaza currently underway.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, emphasized the importance of strategic relations between Turkiye and Qatar, highlighting the need for combined efforts to resolve regional crises and foster peace and development.

Fidan affirmed Turkiye's commitment to working closely with Qatar to maintain regional stability and security. He addressed the ongoing situation in Syria, reiterating Turkiye's stance on preserving Syria's sovereignty and unity, and rejecting any armed groups or actions that might compromise these principles. The minister also stressed Turkiye's opposition to religious and sectarian divisions, advocating for a system that upholds equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their background.

The Turkish Foreign Minister pointed out Turkiye's discussions with various international entities regarding terrorism, economic issues, and governance in Syria. He referenced a recent agreement between the new Syrian political administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces and urged the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to cease its activities that threaten regional security.

Moreover, Fidan spoke about the need for inclusive representation in amending the Syrian constitution and warned against external forces attempting to exploit Syria's challenges to undermine its integrity. He reiterated Turkiye's resolve to support Syrian stability and sovereignty.

In addressing the broader regional context, Fidan called for an end to cycles of violence and emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities. He underscored Turkiye's dedication to supporting dialogue-driven solutions and stressed that terrorism and violence have no place in achieving legitimate goals.

Fidan also highlighted Turkiye's diplomatic efforts to stop the violence in the Gaza Strip, noting discussions with Hamas indicating their willingness to consider a two-state solution. He stressed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza to pave the way for a sustainable resolution and urged international, especially U.S., involvement to press Israel towards a fair settlement.

He concluded by stating that Hamas is open to permanent solutions, urging Israel to acknowledge an independent Palestinian state to prevent further escalation and regional instability.