Trump asks Turkey to help ‘persuade Hamas’ on peace

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said U.S. President Donald Trump asked Turkey to persuade Hamas to accept a peace plan. Erdogan made the comments during a conversation with Turkish reporters on his return from Azerbaijan. He said Trump made the request both during a recent U.S. visit and in a follow-up phone call. Erdogan stressed that Turkey has always supported a peaceful solution to the Gaza conflict. He also reaffirmed Turkey’s close contact with Hamas during the peace process.

The remarks come as Israel and Hamas hold a third day of indirect negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh resort. Senior officials from the U.S., Qatar, and Turkey have joined the talks, which are based on a 20-point plan by Trump. Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin is leading the Turkish delegation at the peace summit. The goal is to reach a ceasefire and end the war that has lasted nearly two years. The plan includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, and troop withdrawals.

Erdogan said Hamas responded positively to the idea of peace and talks. He claimed the group did not reject the plan outright. According to Erdogan, Hamas showed more willingness to engage than Israel. He called Hamas’s response a valuable step forward in the process. He also praised the group’s openness to dialogue, viewing it as a hopeful sign for future talks.

Turkey has long positioned itself as a supporter of the Palestinian cause. Erdogan has maintained close ties with Hamas, despite global criticism of the group. He has also accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel denies. Turkey remains in regular contact with Hamas leaders and continues to advise them on possible steps forward. Erdogan said Turkey will keep working to guide Palestine toward a peaceful future.

As negotiations continue, global attention is focused on whether a breakthrough can be reached. With major powers like the U.S., Qatar, and Turkey involved, hopes are rising for progress. Trump’s personal involvement has added urgency to the talks. Erdogan’s role as a mediator could prove critical in influencing Hamas’s decisions. The coming days may determine whether the long-running Gaza war can finally come to an end.