Turkish Foreign Minister: Ankara Ready to Join Gaza Peace Efforts
Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized at the 23rd Doha Forum that Ankara is prepared to strengthen its mediating role in the Gaza crisis and to participate within the framework of an international stabilization force.
Speaking at the opening session titled “Mediation in an Era of Division”, Fidan said: “Turkey is ready to play its part in peace efforts for Gaza and to support the ongoing processes in this regard.”
Referring to Turkey’s “open-door” policy after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, he added: “At that time, a large number of Syrian refugees fled the war and came to our borders. This policy had domestic costs for us, but ultimately served humanitarian goals.”
The Turkish Foreign Minister, pointing to regional challenges in Eurasia, noted: “Efforts to repair the situation in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria are ongoing. What U.S. President Donald Trump seeks in terms of mediation and peace-building aligns with Turkey’s interests. Ankara calls for a ceasefire in both Ukraine and Gaza.”
He stressed the necessity of international cooperation to establish stability in Syria, saying: “Through mediation in regional problems, particularly in the refugee crisis, Turkey has managed to ease people’s suffering.”
In response to a question about the possible deployment of forces to Gaza, Fidan stated: “Turkey is ready to play its part and to support the peace efforts currently underway—a process that enjoys the backing of all parties.”
He also elaborated on ongoing discussions regarding an “international stabilization force”: “The details of its mission, framework, and rules are still under review. We must approach its mandate realistically and pay attention to field sensitivities.”
Fidan identified the first goal of such a force as “separating Palestinians and Israelis along the border lines,” and added: “For this force to be effective, local security institutions must be established and trained, and a local administration should be set up to create a peace council.”
Addressing the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan said: “Europe, in the absence of the United States, needs more creative and flexible solutions. In my view, the only realistic way to end this war is to guide the parties toward peace negotiations with conviction and, if necessary, under pressure. Negotiations are already ongoing.”
