Hakan's minute-by-minute chronicle reveals how Turkish intelligence operated behind closed doors to bridge seemingly insurmountable gaps between the warring parties, ultimately achieving what many considered impossible.
10 Key Roles of Turkish Intelligence in the Gaza Truce
1. ESTABLISHING FIRST CONTACT WITH HAMAS
At 10:00 AM, MIT Chief Kalın initiated the day by meeting with Hamas officials, establishing the four main pillars of negotiation: ceasefire, prisoner-hostage exchange, increasing humanitarian aid to 600 trucks, and Israel's phased withdrawal. Turkey's message to Hamas was unequivocal: "Whatever your decision, we stand with you."
2. BRIDGING US-ISRAEL POSITIONS
At 11:15 AM, the Turkish delegation met with US representatives alongside Egyptian Intelligence Chief Reshad, focusing on critical guarantees that Israel would not return to war. The discussion included sensitive topics such as flexibility on "blue, yellow, and red lines," Gaza's future governance, and the establishment of potential peacekeeping forces.
3. COORDINATING ARAB MEDIATORS
By 1:00 PM, Turkey coordinated strategy with Egyptian and Qatari delegations, reviewing Hamas's concerns and Israel's objections while establishing core principles. The consensus reached was clear: achieving ceasefire and stopping the bloodshed must take priority.
4. FACILITATING MULTI-PARTY DIALOGUE
At 2:00 PM, Kalın participated in Sharm El-Sheikh's broadest meeting, involving Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, US, and Israeli delegations. Turkish intelligence helped establish a crucial consensus that became the foundation for progress: "There's no trust. The parties don't trust each other. But there's will. There's intention. There's hope. We can build trust on these."
5. MAINTAINING DIRECT PRESIDENTIAL COORDINATION
Throughout the day, Kalın maintained constant communication with President Erdoğan, calling him at 10:00 AM, 5:30 PM, 10:00 PM, and 11:20 PM to report progress and receive guidance. After Hamas indicated the process might extend to the next day, Erdoğan's directive at 5:30 PM was consistent: "Continue working."
6. ADDRESSING HAMAS'S CORE CONCERNS
At 4:00 PM, Turkish intelligence led Qatar and Egypt in a critical session with Hamas, discussing their three main demands: full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, clarification of prisoner-hostage lists, and guarantees for Gaza's civilian population. When Hamas requested more time for internal consultation, Kalın immediately coordinated with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to strategize the next steps.
7. TRANSMITTING POSITIONS BETWEEN PARTIES
At 8:00 PM, Kalın conveyed Hamas's demands to US, Egyptian, Qatari, and Israeli officials during a comprehensive meeting. The discussions covered implementation mechanisms, ceasefire continuity monitoring, Turkey's commitment to increasing humanitarian aid, and second-phase arrangements including the Gaza Administration Unit and International Stabilization Force. The collective commitment was firm: "We don't leave Egypt until this is done."
8. SECURING HAMAS'S FINAL ACCEPTANCE
At 10:45 PM, the Turkish delegation received Hamas's crucial acceptance during a meeting with Qatari and Egyptian representatives. Hamas officials confirmed their readiness to immediately implement all four agreement provisions and expressed trust in Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar. They specifically thanked President Erdoğan for Turkey's unwavering support throughout the crisis, stating: "Turkey's presence here gave us confidence."
9. GUARANTEEING AGREEMENT CREDIBILITY
At 11:30 PM, as the final agreement was presented to US and Israeli delegations, MIT Chief Kalın delivered a powerful message emphasizing shared responsibility: "We are all putting our signatures and credibility under this agreement. We cannot allow anyone to sabotage it." Significantly, Turkish intelligence also stressed that "Hamas has always been constructive" and that "the party requiring pressure is Israel."
The Final Aggrement
10. ENSURING IMPLEMENTATION OVERSIGHT
After the "Comprehensive End to Gaza War" agreement was signed at 11:30 PM by all delegation heads, Turkish intelligence personnel remained in Egypt to develop the Task Force details for implementing the ceasefire. This ensured Turkey's continued role in monitoring and maintaining the fragile peace, demonstrating Ankara's commitment beyond mere mediation.
SIGNIFICANCE OF TURKEY'S INTELLIGENCE DIPLOMACY
Turkey's intelligence apparatus demonstrated exceptional diplomatic agility by simultaneously maintaining deep trust with Hamas while coordinating effectively with Western and Arab partners. The MIT's role proved essential in bridging the trust deficit between parties who, as acknowledged in the negotiations, had "no trust but had will."
The agreement's success was confirmed when US President Trump called at 1:15 AM to congratulate all delegation heads, committing that "we will all work together with determination to implement the agreement." He specifically thanked President Erdoğan, Qatari Emir Al Thani, and Egyptian President Sisi for their contributions.
MIT Chief Kalın departed Sharm El-Sheikh at 2:00 AM, marking the conclusion of one of the most intensive diplomatic efforts in recent Middle Eastern history, with Turkey now positioned as a crucial guarantor of the fragile peace in Gaza.
Photo: Hurriyet