Turkish foreign minister says Gaza ceasefire must hold ‘without disruption’

ANKARA

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday urged strict adherence to the Gaza ceasefire agreement Hamas and Israel reached this week, warning that any Israeli provocation could reignite the war and prolong civilian suffering.

“It is vital that the agreed upon deal proceeds without disruption,” Fidan told a joint news conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Ankara.

“There must be no provocations from Israel that could restart the war, continue the genocide, or further the displacement of civilians.”

A ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas early Thursday in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, based on a 20-point plan presented by US President Donald Trump. The first phase of the plan includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, Israel’s withdrawal to an agreed upon line in Gaza, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave.

A second phase of the plan calls for the establishment of a new governing mechanism in Gaza without the participation of Hamas, the formation of a security force comprising Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, and the disarmament of Hamas. It also stipulates Arab and Islamic funding for the new administration and the reconstruction of the Strip, with limited participation from the Palestinian Authority.  

The process demands ‘continuous attention’

Fidan said the deal’s terms were finalized after lengthy negotiations and cover critical issues such as the entry of humanitarian aid, the return of displaced Palestinians, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to agreed positions.

“The implementation of these measures is extremely important,” he said, emphasizing that Türkiye is providing both technical assistance on the ground and diplomatic support at the international level to ensure the deal holds.

Fidan said the successful execution of the first phase will pave the way for subsequent steps in the peace process, which aim to achieve lasting stability and eventually a two-state solution.

“If the process stalls, it could mean a return to massacres,” he warned. “To prevent that, we are working with the international community and our regional partners to ensure the next stages proceed without interruption.”

Fidan said the immediate focus remains on enforcing the ceasefire, securing the release of hostages, and facilitating humanitarian deliveries.

The next stage, he added, will address Gaza’s governance and efforts to restore internal security.

“This process demands continuous attention and diligence,” Fidan said. “We will continue to manage it with care and determination, as we have done so far.”

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