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.

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

Turkey’s youth, academically qualified yet jobless and politically sidelined are turning away from Erdoğan’s vision. A generational shift is underway as the Turkey they know fails to show them a future.