For almost two decades, Turkey has cultivated a relationship with Hamas — to the chagrin of some other countries in the region — but it won effusive praise from President Donald Trump in recent weeks for using those connections to help pressure the Palestinian militant group into reaching a Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel.

As a guarantor of the cease-fire, Turkey is keen to play a role in Gaza’s future, seeing political and economic benefits. Israel is having none of it.

Emirati newspaper Al-Ain pointed out that recent actions taken by the Turkish government might indicate point to Hamas adharence to the ceasefire, while the Turks seek to gain influence in the Strip.

Foreign ministers of some Muslim countries will meet in Istanbul on Monday to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and next steps there, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday, voicing concern over whether the ceasefire will continue.

ANKARA, Turkey -- Europe should forge a deeper strategic partnership with Turkey in response to emerging global challenges, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday on his first official visit to Ankara, which has played a crucial mediating role in the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Before Friday’s handover, Hamas had returned the bodies of 22 hostages since the start of the current ceasefire.