ISTANBUL – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday issued a sharp rebuke to Israel, demanding it end its “regular violations” of the US-backed ceasefire in Gaza and fulfill its obligations to ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to the besieged strip.
Fidan’s remarks came after a high-level ministerial meeting in Istanbul aimed at forging a unified regional stance on the future of Gaza. The gathering brought together top diplomats from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia—key Muslim and Arab nations whose support is seen as crucial for any lasting post-war framework.
A Fragile Truce and a Search for Governance
The meeting was convened amid growing international concern over the stability of the ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump, which took effect on October 10. The agreement has been repeatedly tested by Israeli military strikes and reports of Palestinian attacks, raising fears of a full-scale resumption of hostilities.
“The ceasefire in itself is not enough. We must end the massacre in Gaza,” Fidan stated emphatically during a press conference. “Gaza should be governed by the Palestinians. It is imperative that any post-war framework ensures Palestinians are the guarantors of Palestine’s governance and security.”
A central topic of discussion was the planned United Nations-mandated stabilization force for Gaza, a key component of the US-brokered ceasefire deal. Minister Fidan confirmed that participating countries are awaiting the final details of this mandate before deciding on troop contributions.
Ankara’s Controversial Role and Regional Diplomacy
Turkey’s assertive diplomacy places it at the center of the Gaza issue, but also highlights the deep-seated tensions with Israel. Ankara maintains close ties with Hamas, the group that controls Gaza and whose October 7, 2023, attack on Israel sparked the two-year-long war. Over the weekend, Fidan hosted a Hamas delegation led by the group’s lead negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, a move certain to draw Israeli condemnation.
Israeli officials have long viewed Turkey’s overtures with suspicion and have expressed firm opposition to any Turkish role in the proposed international peacekeeping force.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reinforced his government’s position earlier on Monday, placing the blame for ceasefire violations squarely on Israel. “It seems Hamas is quite determined to adhere to the agreement while Israel’s record is very poor,” Erdoğan told a gathering of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul. He called on Muslim nations to play “a leading role” in Gaza’s recovery and endorsed a reconstruction plan prepared by the Arab League and the OIC.
Humanitarian Crisis and Stalled Efforts
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Aid agencies continue to report severe restrictions on convoy access, failing to alleviate famine-like conditions in parts of the territory. Fidan is expected to reiterate calls for Israel to allow significantly more aid into Gaza.
Further complicating matters, Ankara revealed that a Turkish disaster relief team, dispatched to assist in recovering bodies from the rubble—including those of Israeli hostages—has been barred from entering Gaza by Israeli authorities. This incident underscores the practical challenges and deep mistrust hindering cooperation on the ground.
The Istanbul meeting signals a concerted effort by regional powers to shape the political and security architecture of a post-war Gaza, even as the fragile truce on the ground threatens to unravel. With Turkey positioning itself as a champion of the Palestinian cause, the diplomatic friction with Israel appears set to intensify.
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