Fidan: Turkey Ready to Take Responsibility for Gaza
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, referring to regional and international developments, announced that Ankara is ready to assume responsibility for Gaza and, if necessary, even deploy troops.
In his assessment of Turkey’s foreign policy, Fidan stated that the country’s recent performance has made it a reliable partner and an effective actor in international cooperation. He described Turkey’s efforts in Syria—aimed at ensuring stability, facilitating the return of refugees, and helping the new government gain international legitimacy—as one of the most remarkable examples in the history of diplomacy.
He added that the common concern of the United States and Turkey is to ensure that Israel no longer poses a threat to Syria. In this context, negotiations between the Damascus government and YPG forces are ongoing, and Turkey expects the process to reach a concrete outcome. According to him, one of the main reasons for repeated interruptions is YPG’s occasional deviation from its course and its attempts to exploit new regional crises.
The Foreign Minister described the removal of Ahmed al-Sharaa and his associates from the United Nations list of terrorist organizations as “a very significant diplomatic step.”
Regarding Gaza, Fidan explained that a draft decision is under review to establish an international legal framework for the stabilization force to be deployed in the region. He emphasized: “Turkey is ready to take any necessary action, including the deployment of troops.”
He also noted that the United States is currently coordinating a civil-military cooperation center with Israel, which will form the core of the stabilization force. Turkey’s humanitarian aid to Gaza continues uninterrupted, with shipments to the Port of El-Arish serving as an example of this support.
On the ceasefire process, Fidan stated: “Turkey will continue to support initiatives similar to the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement. A ceasefire does not provide absolute guarantees in the classical sense, but supporting it is essential.”
Speaking about Palestinian resistance, he said that as long as occupation and oppression persist, armed resistance will also exist. “If Hamas does not exist, another group will take its place. This resistance is inherent in the struggle against occupation, and every Palestinian will play their part. Westerners know this reality as well.”
Fidan stressed that the core issue is ending occupation and oppression, not disarming Hamas. According to him, a deterrent and effective mechanism must be established, and this logic must be clearly explained.
Finally, he addressed the issue of CAATSA sanctions, saying: “Trump emphasized that this law should not remain between our two countries and ordered its removal. Unlike the Biden administration, the United States now intends to resolve this matter, and we hope to reach a conclusion as soon as possible.”
