Newsletters
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday warned that any return to “an environment of genocide” in Gaza would have “a very heavy cost,” as he welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire, announced Thursday in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, is based on a 20-point peace plan presented by U.S. President Donald Trump. The first phase includes an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages and prisoners, Israel’s withdrawal to an agreed line inside Gaza, and the delivery of humanitarian aid with international support for reconstruction.
Speaking at a ceremony inaugurating new facilities in the Black Sea province of Rize, Erdogan said Türkiye has done—and will continue to do—everything possible to help restore peace, security, and stability in Gaza “as soon as possible.”
Referring to the ceasefire deal, Erdogan stressed that “what matters most now is ensuring that the agreement is implemented to the letter,” adding that Ankara would actively contribute to the process.
“Our region, and Gaza in particular, has endured enough bloodshed, massacres, and tears,” he said. “Peace must be given a chance, and all acts of sabotage must be avoided.”
Erdogan called the ceasefire “a major step” toward lasting peace, despite the challenges ahead. “The door to a permanent peace in Gaza has been opened,” he said. “We say—no more bloodshed.”
U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff announced Friday that the 72-hour period for Hamas to release Israeli captives in Gaza had begun following the ceasefire.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the Israeli army completed the first-phase withdrawal to the so-called “yellow line.” Under the deal, Hamas is required to release 20 hostages and return 28 bodies, while Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees arrested since Oct. 7, 2023.
According to Israeli media, the army began the first phase of its gradual troop withdrawal from the Gaza Strip on Friday morning and is expected to complete it within 24 hours, in line with Trump’s plan to end the war.
Israel Army Radio reported that the phased withdrawal, carried out in coordination with U.S. officials, is expected to be finalized by Friday afternoon.
1 min read
6 min read
