Ankara: It is 'very important' that Gaza remains the land of the Palestinian people, and they ultimately govern the enclave, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday. Speaking to journalists on his way back from Azerbaijan, where he attended a summit of the Organization of Turkic States, Erdogan emphasized the significance of Palestinian governance in Gaza.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan discussed his recent visit to the US and a phone conversation with President Donald Trump, where he elaborated on potential solutions for Palestine. On the US president's Gaza ceasefire plan, Erdogan mentioned that Trump requested Turkey to engage with Hamas, leading to prompt discussions with relevant parties. Erdogan noted that Hamas expressed readiness for peace and negotiations, which he views as a significant development.

Erdogan also addressed the Global Sumud Flotilla incident, where Israeli forces attacked the aid mission. He stated that Turkey monitored the situation using unmanned aerial vehicles and ships, with Erdogan personally overseeing the mission's movements through Akinci drone footage. He highlighted the importance of security in Gaza and the potential establishment of a stabilization force, while underscoring the importance of ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh.

Regarding Syria, Erdogan asserted the necessity for the Syrian Democratic Forces to fulfill their promise of integrating with Syria. He emphasized that the Turkish-Kurdish-Arab alliance is crucial for sustaining peace and stability in the region.