Doha: HE Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan affirmed that his country is ready and prepared to do whatever is necessary to contribute to ongoing peace efforts in the Gaza Strip. He noted that broad discussions are currently underway regarding the formation of an international stabilization force to be deployed in the area.
According to Qatar News Agency, speaking at a session within the Doha Forum on mediation in times of fragmentation, Fidan called for realism when discussing the mandate of this force, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to details. He warned that the joint force faces significant challenges in its establishment, including the countries contributing troops, the command structure, logistical arrangements, and many other agreed-upon details.
Fidan also addressed the entities and stakeholders that the force will engage with, such as police units to be trained, the Palestinian local administration, and the Peace Council, stressing that all these bodies must operate in a coordinated and harmonious manner. He added that once this framework is in place, tangible achievements from the international stabilization force can be expected.
The Turkish foreign minister also highlighted his country’s efforts regarding migration and its open-door policy, as well as Turkiye’s mediation and peace initiatives in the region, including Gaza, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Syria, where he affirmed that the situation is progressing positively, alongside Turkiye’s ongoing humanitarian efforts.
He argued that the best way to end the war in Ukraine is through the engagement of all conflict parties in peace negotiations conducted with sincerity, determination, and innovative solutions, noting that Ankara has called for a ceasefire in both Ukraine and Gaza since the beginning of the conflicts. Fidan stressed that engaging in peace negotiations does not end the war immediately, but it helps reduce human suffering and provides greater opportunities for the conflict parties and other stakeholders to contribute to ending wars in today’s fragmented and turbulent world.