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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pressed Israel to match Hamas's willingness to make a Gaza ceasefire permanent on Wednesday, declaring that the devastated enclave must be treated as an inseparable part of Palestine as international negotiations continue over its future governance.
"Hamas is showing it has the will to take constructive steps toward making the ceasefire permanent, and the same understanding needs to exist on the Israeli side," Fidan said at a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Bedr Abdulati following the first meeting of the Türkiye-Egypt Joint Planning Group in Ankara on Wednesday.
Fidan called on Israel to remove all barriers to humanitarian aid entering Gaza and open all border crossings. A Turkish aid vessel carrying approximately 810 tons of humanitarian supplies departed Mersin port for Egypt's El Arish port on Wednesday, with Türkiye pledging to mobilize all resources for establishing temporary housing and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
"Gaza is part of Palestine, it must remain so and be treated as such," Fidan said, emphasizing that resolving disputed issues would be possible if the international community adheres to this principle.
The United Nations Security Council is working toward a resolution addressing administrative and security arrangements in Gaza, though several key details remain unresolved. The scope of the International Stability Force's field operations requires clarification, Fidan said, along with establishing a clear legal and political framework for the Palestinian Committee and Peace Council expected to assume Gaza's governance.
Fidan said Türkiye maintains intensive consultations with Egypt and other countries contributing to the process. Egypt plans to host an international conference on Gaza's early recovery and reconstruction in the coming days, where Turkish officials intend to present their contributions.
The Egyptian foreign minister echoed Türkiye's concerns about the international peacekeeping force. "The decision to establish an international task force in Gaza must be formulated carefully and meticulously, taking into account the future rights of the Palestinian people," Abdulati said.
Both ministers stressed the need for progress on the political track alongside reconstruction efforts, with Abdulati stating that charting a political horizon resulting in the establishment of a Palestinian state represents the only path to ensuring stability and security throughout the region, including for Israel.
The ministerial meeting took place against the backdrop of commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Egypt. Abdulati announced Egypt would gift a pharaoh statue replica to be placed in Ankara as a lasting symbol of bilateral ties.
Abdulati also extended condolences for victims of a Turkish military cargo plane crash, expressing the deep sympathies of Egypt's government and people to Türkiye.
The two countries established a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in 2024, with a second meeting planned for Cairo. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has invited both Fidan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend. Both nations are working toward increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion, with Abdulati noting Egypt values Turkish investments and sees opportunities for expanded cooperation across various sectors.
Fidan thanked Egypt for facilitating the delivery of Turkish humanitarian aid to Gaza and for its broader efforts supporting relief operations.
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Regional stability dominated portions of the bilateral discussions. Abdulati said Syria must be supported to resume its active regional role, stressing the importance of inclusive politics encompassing all segments of Syrian society. Both countries emphasized their support for Syria's security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Fidan referenced his recent visit to Washington, where he participated in discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed Sara. "We had the opportunity to clearly lay out Türkiye's position on critical issues in Syria," Fidan said, noting discussions focused on how American, Syrian and Turkish cooperation could address problems, particularly regarding the country's unity and integrity.
On Libya, Abdulati called for finding a unified Libyan solution, resolving divisions in the country's executive authority, and removing foreign militias and mercenaries. He also stressed the need for a ceasefire and political solution in Sudan following his recent visit with Sudanese Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
The ministers agreed their negotiations demonstrated extensive common ground between the two nations. "We are determined to continue cooperation and coordination," Abdulati said.
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