Erdogan: Gaza Must Remain Under Palestinian Governance

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared it essential that Gaza remains Palestinian territory ultimately governed by the Palestinian people, following his diplomatic engagements in the United States and discussions with President Donald Trump. Speaking to journalists during his return from the Organization of Turkic States summit in Azerbaijan, Erdogan outlined Türkiye's active mediation role in the Gaza conflict resolution efforts.

Erdogan revealed that during his recent US visit and subsequent phone conversation with President Trump, he presented potential solutions for the Palestinian situation. "President Trump specifically asked us to communicate with Hamas and persuade them, and we immediately contacted our interlocutors on this matter," Erdoğan stated. He described Hamas's response as significant, noting "Hamas informed us in their reply that they are prepared for peace and negotiations. From my perspective, this represents a very valuable step forward."

The Turkish president addressed last week's Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, confirming that Türkiye closely monitored the incident using unmanned aerial vehicles and naval assets. Erdogan disclosed that he personally observed the aid mission's progress through Akinci drone footage. Regarding ongoing peace efforts, he expressed strong support for the ceasefire negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and suggested that Gaza security arrangements and potential stabilization forces warrant serious consideration.

Expanding on regional security matters, Erdogan emphasized that the Syrian Democratic Forces must honor their commitments and complete their integration within Syria's framework. He identified the "Turkish-Kurdish-Arab alliance as fundamental to achieving lasting peace and stability throughout the region," underscoring Türkiye's comprehensive approach to regional conflict resolution and neighbor relations.