Turkey takes center stage as peacemaker in Gaza standoff, with Trump supporting Israeli military actions
Turkey Actively Involved in Gaza Ceasefire Mediation Efforts
Turkey is playing an active role in the ongoing mediation efforts for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, although it is not identified as a primary mediator.
The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has been reported to be in Doha, Qatar, engaging with regional actors involved in the mediation process. While a meeting with the Mossad chief remains unconfirmed, Turkey's presence in these diplomatic contexts underscores its interest in mediating the conflict.
Turkey has made it clear that it does not support Hamas's disarmament or the unconditional release of Israeli hostages. Instead, it views the ceasefire negotiations as part of a broader diplomatic context, including the creation of a Palestinian state.
The Turkish government supports the mediation framework led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. This framework involves hostage and prisoner exchange, along with a ceasefire and broader political arrangements.
Egypt and Qatar remain the leading mediators with direct contacts with both Hamas and Israel regarding ceasefire proposals. However, Turkey is evidently involved diplomatically and supportive of the ongoing efforts.
Turkish officials are facilitating diplomatic efforts to prevent an Israeli military offensive on Gaza City, as the planning and civilian evacuation process could take several weeks.
Meanwhile, a senior Hamas delegation returned to Cairo from Turkey for talks with Egyptian intelligence officials. The leaders discussed Israel's plans to take control of the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza.
Elsewhere, White House envoy Steve Witkoff met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani over the weekend in Ibiza, Spain, to discuss a comprehensive deal that would end the war and free all hostages. The new proposal includes additional provisions addressing post-war arrangements in Gaza.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been positioning Turkey as a regional power broker amid the crisis in Gaza, as part of his broader strategy. However, tensions with Israel over Gaza remain, and Turkey maintains that sustainable peace requires dialogue with all parties to the conflict.
In a separate development, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a discussion about Israel's plans regarding Hamas's presence in Gaza. Trump expressed his view that Hamas cannot remain in the territory of Gaza.
The Hamas delegation had been in Turkey for two weeks before returning to Cairo for talks with Egyptian intelligence officials. The leaders discussed ending the war through the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas.
- Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, is reportedly involved in diplomatic discussions with regional actors, such as those in Doha, Qatar, concerning the Gaza ceasefire mediation.
- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aims to establish Turkey as a regional power broker, demonstrated by the country's involvement in Gaza ceasefire mediation efforts.
- Despite not being a primary mediator, Turkey actively supports the mediation framework led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which includes hostage and prisoner exchange, ceasefire, and broader political arrangements.
- Turkish officials are working to prevent an Israeli military offensive on Gaza City, providing diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing war and conflicts in the region.
