Turkey’s Strategic Role in Hamas-Trump Gaza Deal Boosts Ankara’s Global Influence

Turkey’s diplomatic ties with Hamas, once a point of tension with Washington, have now become a strategic asset after Ankara helped broker Hamas’s acceptance of Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire deal. According to multiple sources cited by Reuters, Turkey’s leadership, viewed by Hamas as a trusted political ally, convinced the group to accept the U.S.-backed agreement that led to the release of Israeli hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.

Trump publicly praised Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan for his pivotal role, calling him “one of the most powerful leaders in the world” and “a reliable ally.” Erdogan’s involvement in securing the deal has elevated Turkey’s position in Middle Eastern diplomacy and improved relations with the U.S., potentially opening the door to renewed talks on stalled F-35 fighter jet sales and the easing of sanctions imposed after Turkey’s 2020 purchase of Russian S-400 missiles.

The diplomatic thaw began during Erdogan’s recent visit to Washington, his first in six years, where he and Trump discussed key issues including Syria and Turkey’s demand to integrate the U.S.-backed Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army. This development, viewed as a strategic gain for Ankara, further strengthened Turkey’s influence in the region.

By leveraging its sway over Hamas, Turkey has reasserted itself as a major Sunni power, reshaping Middle Eastern geopolitics and unsettling Israel and several Arab nations wary of Erdogan’s ambitions. Analysts say Turkey aims to translate this renewed goodwill into broader U.S. support for its regional goals.

While the Gaza truce remains fragile, Ankara’s diplomatic triumph has reaffirmed its central role in Middle Eastern politics—balancing humanitarian mediation, regional power dynamics, and strategic cooperation with Washington.