GAZA, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Hamas said Sunday that a delegation from the group met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to discuss developments in the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem.
In a statement, Hamas said that the delegation was headed by Muhammad Darwish, chairman of its leadership council, and included senior Hamas leaders Khaled Meshaal, Khalil al-Hayya, and Zaher Jabarin.
According to the statement, Darwish praised Erdogan's support for the Palestinian cause and his efforts to safeguard Palestinian rights, land, and holy sites.
The two sides stressed the need to implement the ceasefire, ensure the entry of humanitarian aid, and restore normal life in the enclave.
Darwish also wanred against the Israeli law passed on March 30 that makes the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians in the West Bank convicted of "terrorism," saying it would violate international law.
For his part, Erdogan reiterated Turkey's support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, the statement said.
A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect on Oct. 10, 2025. Its initial phase included exchanges of prisoners and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid, and partial Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza.
In January, the United States announced the start of a second phase of its proposed peace plan, which includes a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, reconstruction efforts, and the establishment of a transitional governing body in the enclave. ■
