Erdoğan: Sharm el-Sheikh Deal a Milestone for Gaza Peace

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has characterized the joint declaration from the recent Sharm el-Sheikh summit as a potential "new milestone" on the path to a durable peace for Gaza. Speaking at a party event in Ankara, the President underscored Türkiye's active diplomatic role, noting that plans for the reconstruction of the war-torn Gaza Strip would be formulated in coordination with the United States and Gulf countries.

The Summit and Signing Ceremony

The high-level meeting in the Egyptian resort city brought together over twenty world leaders, hosted by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The summit culminated in the signing of a document solidifying the Gaza ceasefire agreement that ended the recent conflict. President Erdoğan was among the key signatories, alongside the leaders of the US, Egypt, and Qatar, highlighting Türkiye's central position in the regional dialogue.

A Coordinated Effort for Reconstruction

A focal point of the agreement is the massive task of rebuilding Gaza. President Erdoğan's remarks confirm that the effort will be a collective international undertaking. This collaborative framework aims to ensure that reconstruction moves forward efficiently and sustainably, addressing the urgent humanitarian needs and infrastructure damage following the conflict.

Prisoner Exchange and Path Forward

The diplomatic progress at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit was paralleled by a significant on-the-ground development. The same day, a prisoner exchange was initiated, with Hamas releasing all remaining Israeli captives, which was met with the reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. These confidence-building measures are seen as crucial steps for maintaining the fragile ceasefire and building towards a more stable future.