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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Türkiye will join a task force to monitor the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and will support reconstruction efforts with the international community.
Erdogan spoke at the 2025-2026 Higher Education Academic Year Opening Ceremony at Bestepe Nation Congress and Culture Center on Thursday.
"We will meticulously monitor the implementation of the agreed-upon terms," Erdogan said, adding, "As Türkiye, Allah willing, we will take part in the task force that will monitor the on-ground implementation of the agreement."
The Turkish president stated that he wanted to express his joy at the good news coming from Sharm el-Sheikh overnight and today, saying, "You know, we have been working intensely for a long time to stop the bloodshed in Gaza and establish a ceasefire."
"First, we held a meeting on Gaza at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which (Mr.) Trump also attended. Then, during our Washington visit, we again discussed Gaza with (Mr.) Trump and his delegation at the White House. Later, (Mr.) Trump announced a 20-point peace plan, and Hamas announced it was ready for negotiations," he added.
"After yesterday's agreement, thank Allah, the signatures were made today," Erdogan said.
Erdogan said Türkiye is greatly pleased with the agreement, to which it contributed actively from the beginning.
"From now on, urgently ensuring comprehensive humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, Israel immediately stopping its attacks, and ensuring withdrawal to designated lines are of great importance," Erdogan said.
President Erdogan added that Türkiye will support reconstruction activities to help Gaza stand on its feet again, together with the international community, noting, "Our goal is to stop the genocide and bring peace to the region as soon as possible."
"Our Gazan brothers are the nation that most deserves peace, tranquility and security in the world," he noted.
Erdogan thanked U.S. President Trump for displaying strong will in encouraging the Israeli government toward a ceasefire.
"I convey my gratitude likewise to Qatar and Egypt, which made important contributions to reaching the agreement," Erdogan said, noting, "I wholeheartedly congratulate the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas for their resolute and prudent attitudes."
Erdogan said he congratulated the negotiation delegation and all actors who took on facilitating roles in the process, adding, "From here, I once again respectfully salute our Palestinian brothers who have not compromised one bit from their upright and resolute stance despite all kinds of barbarism, cruelty, massacre, and genocide for two years."
"Türkiye will stand by the Palestinian people today and tomorrow as it did yesterday and will never leave them alone," Erdogan said.
"I pray that Allah agrees on a means of goodness for the Palestinian people. I pray for Allah's mercy for our over 67,000 martyrs who fell to the ground," he concluded.
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In a separate, related development, Israeli media reported that Türkiye's participation in Gaza ceasefire negotiations was decisive in reaching an agreement.
An Israeli media outlet, The Times of Israel, citing Arab diplomats, reported that Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt worked to convince Hamas of U.S. guarantees that Israel would not resume attacks after hostages are released.
An Arab diplomat speaking to the Israeli media emphasized that despite intensive efforts by Qatar and Egypt to convince Hamas, Türkiye's involvement in the negotiations was 'decisive.'
The report also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's phone apology to Qatari officials after Israel's attack on Doha helped Qatar regain its lost standing with Hamas. These factors influenced Hamas and led it to trust the commitments given, the report claimed.
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