Turkish official speaks to US press: Dozens of countries have reached out to Turkey for hostages held by Hamas

US-based newspaper The Wall Street Journal reported that countries attempting to rescue their citizens taken hostage by Hamas during the Israel-Palestine conflict are in communication with Turkey. 

The newspaper wrote that numerous countries have reached out to diplomats and intelligence officials in Turkey. The report included the statement, "Egypt, Qatar and Turkey each boast years-long relationships with Hamas, but none have been able to get a full answer on the names and conditions of the captives in Gaza."

'MANY STATES ARE IN CONTACT WITH ANKARA'

While it was noted that communication is ongoing behind closed doors, a Turkish official speaking to the WSJ said, "They want us to pass messages secretly." The intelligence official, who stated that "Many states, especially Western countries, are in contact with Ankara," expressed that Israel's airstrikes are making the flow of information difficult.

'CURRENT SITUATION DOES NOT SEEM SUITABLE'

The intelligence official speaking to the newspaper said, "The current situation in Gaza does not seem suitable for issues like negotiations." An Egyptian official stated, "Every country that has communication with Hamas has tried this, but they are not picking up their phones and it is impossible to reach them."

CALL FROM BAERBOCK

Speaking about the conflicts in the past few hours, German Foreign Minister Baerbock said that Egypt and Turkey are making efforts for Hamas to release the hostages in its possession. Stating that Qatar and Turkey, in particular, 'have channels to talk to Hamas,' Baerbock expressed that the German government has called on these countries to urgently activate these channels.

News Source: 12punto