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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday expressed satisfaction that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza, thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts to end the two-year war.
“I am greatly pleased that the Hamas–Israel talks have resulted in a ceasefire in Gaza. I especially thank U.S. President Mr. Trump, who demonstrated the necessary political will to encourage the Israeli government toward the ceasefire,” Erdogan said on his official X account.
Erdogan added that Türkiye will closely monitor the strict implementation of the ceasefire deal and continue contributing to the peace process.
Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, saying Ankara will continue to advocate until “an independent, sovereign Palestinian state, with full territorial integrity, is established based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
“On this occasion, I extend my most heartfelt greetings to my Palestinian brothers and sisters, who have endured indescribable suffering for two years, struggling for life and dignity under inhumane conditions, losing their children, mothers, fathers, relatives, and friends—and who, despite all the tragedies they have endured, have not compromised their honorable stance,” he said.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry also welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal, expressing hope that it would end what it called “the genocide ongoing for two years.”
Late Wednesday, the White House announced that Israel and Hamas had approved the first phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza, signaling a potential turning point in the nearly two-year-long conflict.
The announcement came after Trump confirmed on social media that both parties had endorsed “the first stage of our Peace Plan,” raising hopes for a breakthrough after months of stalled negotiations.
Under the plan’s initial terms, all hostages are expected to be released in the coming days, while Israeli forces will begin a phased withdrawal to pre-agreed positions.
Both sides later confirmed their acceptance of the plan, marking the most significant progress in the Gaza talks since the war began.
Besides Türkiye, Qatar and Egypt were also mentioned by Trump as key contributors. Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin was present at the meeting in Egypt.
The 20-point peace plan, first announced by Trump on Sept. 29, includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
According to Israeli media, the ceasefire will take effect immediately following an official signing ceremony scheduled for noon local time (0900 GMT) Thursday in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh.
Israel’s Channel 14 reported that the prisoner exchange process between the two sides will begin within 72 hours of the ceremony.
The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth said Israel’s Security Cabinet is expected to convene at 5:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) Thursday to approve the deal.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians in Gaza, most of them women and children.
The relentless bombardment has rendered much of the enclave uninhabitable, causing widespread starvation and disease, according to the United Nations and local authorities.
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