The National Intelligence Organization (MIT), under the direction of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, successfully secured the release of five Thai hostages in Gaza today, following intelligence diplomacy efforts with Hamas.
According to security sources, a deal was reached between Hamas and Israel on January 13, 2025, concerning prisoner exchanges, as part of efforts to end the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza that began on October 7, 2023, which have led to nearly 50,000 deaths and over 100,000 injuries.
In alignment with President Erdoğan’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in continuous communication with all relevant parties throughout the process to achieve a ceasefire. MIT played a pivotal role in facilitating these negotiations.
In addition to evacuating Turkish citizens and assisting in the release of foreign nationals, MIT also negotiated the freedom of hostages from other countries, including the five Thai nationals. The successful release was achieved through coordinated efforts with Thai counterparts and ongoing contacts with Hamas, as per President Erdoğan’s instructions.
