Turkey is working to secure the safe evacuation of around 200 civilians trapped in tunnels in Gaza, a senior Turkish official said late Sunday, following Ankara’s mediation in the return of the remains of an Israeli soldier killed in the enclave more than a decade ago.
The official told Reuters that Turkey had “successfully facilitated the return of Hadar Goldin’s remains to Israel after 11 years” through “intensive efforts reflecting Hamas’ clear commitment to the ceasefire.”
Goldin, an Israeli military officer, was killed in an ambush during the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, and his remains were handed over to Israel on Sunday via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
“At the same time, we are working to ensure the safe passage of some 200 Gazan civilians currently trapped in the tunnels,” the official added, noting that Ankara’s diplomatic engagement continues with regional and international partners.
Earlier on Sunday, Hamas declared that its fighters entrenched in the Israeli-held Rafah area would not surrender, urging mediators to find a political solution to a crisis that has strained the month-old ceasefire.
Turkey, which signed last month’s Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, maintains close ties with Hamas and has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Ankara has positioned itself as a key mediator in humanitarian negotiations throughout the conflict.
The renewed Turkish involvement underscores its growing regional role as an intermediary amid fragile peace efforts and lingering tensions between Israel and Hamas, with both sides under international pressure to uphold the ceasefire and prevent a return to large-scale hostilities.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
