Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Trkiye is ready to assume responsibility in the Gaza Strip, including the potential deployment of troops if necessary. In a live interview with A Haber, Fidan emphasized Trkiye's willingness to shoulder the burden in Gaza with a strong sense of duty, marking a clear message to the international community.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan highlighted the discussions between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump in September, which covered significant topics concerning bilateral relations and regional dynamics. Trkiye's recent foreign policy efforts and its reliability as a partner were underscored, making it a key actor for cooperation on various issues.
Fidan mentioned ongoing discussions about a UN Security Council draft resolution and a proposed stabilization force, part of the phased Trump Peace Plan. These discussions aim to establish a legal framework for the force's mandate and operations. The US, in consultation with Trkiye, is actively working on forming a peace commission and an International Stabilization Force for Gaza.
Preliminary efforts for the stabilization force have commenced, including the establishment of a US-coordinated Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) in Israel. Officially inaugurated on October 17, the CMCC is the first international operational platform set up by US Central Command to monitor developments in Gaza following a ceasefire agreement.
Fidan noted Washington's development of a mechanism to address obstacles in implementing the Trump-era ceasefire plan, describing it as crucial for ownership and commitment. Trkiye remains committed to advancing the necessary mechanisms to coordinate progress on the ceasefire agreement, maintaining close dialogue with relevant military authorities.
Trkiye played an active role in the Sharm el-Sheikh talks, which facilitated the Gaza ceasefire, with Egypt, Qatar, and Trkiye contributing to the agreement's implementation. Fidan clarified that the declaration signed by these countries is not a traditional guarantor model but reflects their ongoing political support for the truce.
Trkiye has appointed a humanitarian aid coordinator for Gaza and continues to work intensively to deliver assistance, although the aid entering the enclave remains below Israel's previous pledges. Discussions are ongoing to form a non-political committee to manage Gaza's daily administration, with Hamas expressing readiness to hand over governance to a Palestinian-led body.
Fidan emphasized the need for a roadmap to end the Israeli occupation, arguing that armed resistance will persist as long as the occupation continues. He stressed the importance of establishing a mechanism to end the occupation and reduce oppression, advocating for a shift in rhetoric that portrays Hamas as a terrorist group.
Fidan concluded by stating that a roadmap for ending Israel's occupation and achieving a two-state solution must be provided to the Palestinians.