CAIRO
"We were in contact with Turkish officials till the last moment," Khaled Mashal told AA correspondent.
International community said there was need for truce to save Netanyahu and with his demand, he said.
Mashal said that the United States and the European Union wanted Egypt and Turkey to be mediators, but Egypt served as the mediator in indirect negotiations.
"Last Saturday was an important day for truce negotiations. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and a delegation were in Cairo. Qatar's amir and Egyptian officials met in Cairo," he said.
This meeting for Gaza was an indication of solidarity in religious community, he said.
Premier Erdogan exerted great efforts for end of attacks on Gaza and especially phone diplomacy with the United States was of great importance, he said.
Israeli officials called Turkey through two channels for truce and requested the country to extend efforts for ceasefire, Hamas political bureau chairman said.
"Efforts by Turkey and Egypt yielded results. We were in contact with Turkish officials till the last moment," he said. Ceasefire has been reached in its current shape thanks to efforts by Turkey, Egypt and Qatar, he said. With ceasefire some demands of Palestinian people have been fulfilled and border gates were opened, he said.
In regard to Israel's offensive on Gaza, Mashal said that what has happened in the past eight days took place as a result of Israel's hostile attack.
Palestinian people preserved their lands heroically and disappointed the enemy on the first day of the attack, he said.
Mashal said elections would be held in Israel and (Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu arranged all things for elections.
Mashal said Palestinian people have been living under occupation, stating that they made their own weapons with their own hands.
"Our people were ready for a war. When Israel started its attacks, it thought that Hamas would lay down its arms. Thank God, we repelled attacks," he said.
Mashal said Arab countries showed a great self-confidence with Arab Spring, stating that Israeli blockade could end with support by Islamic countries soon.
"If Gaza wins, then Turkey, Arab countries and Islamic countries will win," he said, asking Islam and Arab countries to continue their support.
Reporting by Iman Abdulmunim / Mustafa Yildiz
