Turkey is conducting negotiations regarding civilians held hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas following its attack on Israel at the weekend.
This is what a senior Turkish official said, as Ankara increased its efforts and diplomacy to mediate the conflict.
The official, speaking to "AFP" under conditions of anonymity, said that the talks are being conducted by the relevant institutions of Turkey by order of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Meanwhile, the US is working with Israel and Egypt on the possible safe exit of civilians from Gaza. The news was announced by the White House itself.
"The Biden administration is in 'active discussions' to help the civilians of Gaza leave safely," said White House Homeland Security spokesman John Kirby.
"We believe that safe passage is important and we want to open a safe passage corridor," he added.
While Israel says that hundreds of thousands of army troops are near the border with Gaza "ready to carry out the mission given to them".
Israel is expected to launch a ground attack on the Gaza Strip soon. The army says the mission is to "ensure that Hamas will not have any military capabilities".