Unacceptable: Israel's intended expulsion of Gazans and annexation of West Bank, declared by Foreign Minister Fidan
In a significant development, Hakan Fidan, the Turkish Foreign Minister, has reaffirmed Turkey's continued strong support for the Palestinian cause. This statement comes amidst an intense conflict between Israel and Palestine that has been ongoing since October 2023.
The meeting between Fidan and a Hamas delegation led by Mohammed Ismail Darwish took place in Istanbul, Turkey, on a date prior to October 7, 2023. The location of the meeting was not specified.
Fidan's comments come as Israel continues a brutal offensive on Gaza, resulting in the death of over 60,000 Palestinians, most of whom were women and children. The Israeli army's actions have garnered widespread international criticism.
During the meeting, Fidan emphasized that Israel's strategy is to break the people of Gaza's resistance by prolonging ceasefire talks and forcing displacement. He also asserted that Israel continues a policy of genocide by starving the people of Gaza.
The Hamas delegation, including the Shura Council head, Mohammed Ismail Darwish, criticized Israel's uncompromising stance in ceasefire negotiations. They also criticized the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, stating it falls short of the needs.
The Israeli offensive has destroyed the Gaza enclave and led to food shortages. Fidan stated that as a result of public pressure, more and more countries are recognizing the Palestinian state, thereby isolating Israel. However, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has not issued a statement regarding the number of countries recognizing the Palestinian state.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Fidan rejected these calls. He stated that Israel's actions to expel Gazans from their lands and annex the West Bank are unacceptable.
The Israeli military has maintained a total siege of Gaza since March 2025, severely restricting goods and humanitarian aid despite some limited and controversial UN- and US-backed aid distribution schemes. This has worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with at least 61,158 Palestinian fatalities and 151,442 injuries reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health since October 7, 2023.
In the West Bank, Israel launched a large-scale military offensive starting in January 2025, resulting in over 70 Palestinian deaths, destruction of residential buildings, critical infrastructure damage, and forced displacement of over 40,000 Palestinians—the largest such displacement since 1967.
As of early August 2025, the conflict remains intense, with ongoing Israeli military operations in both Gaza and the West Bank. Temporary ceasefires have occurred but failed to bring lasting peace.
- Amidst the war-and-conflicts between Israel and Palestine, the politics of the situation have become a topic of general-news, with Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, reaffirming Turkey's continued support for the Palestinian cause and criticizing Israel's strategy and policy towards Gaza and the West Bank.
- The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has been marked by intense violence and humanitarian crisis, has garnered attention in the realm of general-news, with discussions centering around politics and the international community's response, including Turkey's stance and criticisms.
