Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that a "window of opportunity" has emerged for achieving lasting peace in the region after the Palestinian group Hamas responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire proposal. Erdogan made these remarks during a mass inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony in Istanbul, emphasizing the importance of an immediate halt to Israeli attacks and the need to nurture the burgeoning hopes for peace.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan highlighted the feasibility of halting bloodshed and establishing peace if all involved parties act responsibly regarding the ceasefire plan. He pointed out that Gaza was a key topic in his recent phone conversation with Trump, and expressed Ankara's approval of Hamas' response to the U.S. ceasefire initiative.

Turkey is actively working to end the violence in Gaza, deploying resources ranging from humanitarian aid to diplomatic efforts, Erdogan stated. He noted that Turkey has spotlighted the plight of Gazan children at the United Nations and discussed the issue extensively with Trump. The president reiterated Turkey's diplomatic goal for Palestine, which is to secure peace, tranquility, and security for the people of Gaza as swiftly as possible.

Erdogan affirmed Turkey's commitment to preventing more innocent deaths and bringing happiness to Gaza's children. He also mentioned Turkey's role in hosting the "passengers of hope" from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to break the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla, the largest of its kind, was intercepted by the Israeli army on October 1, resulting in the illegal seizure of boats and ships and the detention of hundreds of passengers.