In a press conference with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in the capital, Ankara, Fidan indicated that they discussed the Gaza issue and affirmed their aspiration for a continued ceasefire, ensuring uninterrupted access for humanitarian aid, and a permanent cessation of hostilities. He stated that implementing the two-state solution represents an essential step toward achieving lasting peace in the region.
Fidan explained that he and Fadifol agreed on the need to preserve the atmosphere of peace that has emerged in Gaza and not undermine the ceasefire, and on the importance of taking the necessary steps to establish international cooperation in this regard.
Peace agreement steps
Fidan emphasized that during the meeting, he emphasized that every constructive step taken by European countries, particularly Germany, regarding the issues related to Palestine and Gaza would be of great value. He added, "Just as Turkey has fulfilled its responsibility in implementing the agreement, it is prepared to do more in the next phase as well."
Fidan pointed out that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed a firm will to participate in any potential international mechanism, such as a "task force," a "peace council," or an "international stabilization force," although these issues have not yet been fully defined.
The Turkish Foreign Minister emphasized that every step taken must serve the goal of achieving lasting peace, and said that Türkiye had intensified its relief efforts even more immediately following the ceasefire in Gaza.
He continued, "In this context, we have appointed one of our ambassadors to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as humanitarian aid coordinator. This ambassador is Mr. Mehmet Gulluoglu, who previously served as head of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD)." The Turkish Foreign Minister announced that Gulluoglu has already assumed his duties.
Fidan revealed that Turkey's goal in this regard is for the coordinator to ensure coordination between its relief organizations and civil society organizations operating on the ground, as well as between diplomatic bodies and other countries. He emphasized that humanitarian aid directed to Gaza must be long-term and systematic.
Continuous Turkish support
The Turkish Foreign Minister added at the conference: "Türkiye will continue to be a breath of fresh air for Gaza and a source of hope for Palestine, and we will continue our active support for efforts to rebuild Gaza."
The Turkish minister emphasized that "every building that rises in Gaza will be a product of humanity's shared conscience," adding, "We are still at the beginning of the road, and our ultimate goal is to implement the two-state solution and establish a Middle East that is governed by peace and prosperity despite all the suffering."
Fidan emphasized that maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza is Turkey's top priority, saying, "At the same time, it is extremely important that humanitarian aid continues uninterrupted. We occasionally hear statements from Israel, and this is something that worries us."
Reconstruction
"I wonder if Israel will use Hamas's inability to extract bodies from under the rubble, due to a lack of tools and equipment, as a pretext to undermine the ceasefire once again? The international community is concerned about this issue," Vidan wondered.
Fidan pointed out that crimes against humanity, destruction, and killingin Gaza are taking place in front of the cameras, and have so stunned the international community that there is now a heightened sense of urgency to end them as soon as possible.
He added, "This situation must continue. It is particularly essential that the ceasefire agreement be transformed into a permanent one, and that reconstruction in Gaza begin. This is of utmost importance. Even more important is achieving lasting peace through the implementation of the two-state solution."
He noted that some meetings were being held in this regard, adding: "There are steps that must be taken for Gaza, and steps that must be taken for the sake of the two-state solution. Currently, there are early discussions on how to establish a stabilization force for Gaza, and the nature of the resolution that the UN Security Council should pass. We are following these matters closely."
Fidan emphasized the need for the international community to demonstrate an active presence, emphasizing that the leaders' presence in Sharm el-Sheikh was not limited to the signing of agreements that day. During their time there, European and regional leaders met, and President Erdoğan participated in important discussions on the future steps needed to reach a common understanding.
He explained that the leaders' meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh was a continuation of the foreign ministers' meeting held 10 days earlier in Paris. He said that European and regional leaders specifically discussed reconstruction andpeace plans in Gaza.
Last Monday, Egypt hosted the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump, with the participation of leaders from more than 20 countries. The summit featured the signing of the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration for Peace and Prosperity, which addresses the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Since the afternoon of October 10, the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Tel Aviv has been in effect, following two years of Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The agreement is based on a plan proposed by Trump and was reached by the two parties following indirect negotiations in the Sharm el-Sheikh resort, with the participation of Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar, and under US supervision.
On Thursday, Türkiye appointed Mehmet Gulluoğlu as the General Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid to Palestine, with the aim of monitoring relief efforts in the Gaza Strip on the ground and ensuring coordination between relevant institutions and parties.
Türkiye is one of the most prominent countries providing aid to Gaza since the start of the Israeli aggression, having sent approximately 102,000 tons of humanitarian aid by sea and air since October 2023.
On October 14, a ship carrying 865 tons of humanitarian aid was dispatched from the port of Mersin to the Egyptian port of El Arish, in preparation for its delivery to Gaza.
Since the start of its genocide in Gaza on October 8, 2023, Israel has killed 67,967 Palestinians and injured 170,179 others, most of them children and women. The resulting famine has claimed the lives of 476 Palestinians, including 157 children, and devastated the Strip, which, according to UN estimates, requires $70 billion to rebuild.
