Türkiye urges international pressure on Israel to protect Gaza peace plan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed on Wednesday that sustained momentum in the Gaza peace plan requires increased international pressure on Israel to prevent further violations and enable the transition to a second phase of the agreement.

Pressure needed to move to phase two

Speaking at a joint news conference with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Fidan said: “The efforts that the parties will make on this issue are important. In particular, putting pressure on Israel’s reluctance and preventing its violations are extremely important for moving to the second phase in Gaza.” He warned that conditions in Gaza and the West Bank — which he described as “an extension of Israeli expansionism” — do not serve the region or Europe, and risk generating instability, energy security challenges, and irregular migration. Fidan also noted that one million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli operations, adding that further expansion could trigger additional displacement.

Alternative routes and Hormuz crisis

Addressing regional tensions, Fidan said Türkiye is working to ensure ongoing talks between Iran and the US reach a swift conclusion, emphasizing the need to end the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz to restore normal energy supplies and trade. He noted serious problems regarding energy prices and food security, underscoring the importance of alternative connectivity routes such as the Middle Corridor. Fidan expressed hope that Islamabad-mediated talks will succeed, reaffirming Ankara’s continued engagement with all parties.

EU ties and Syria stabilization

On relations with Brussels, Fidan said Türkiye’s EU membership position remains unchanged, calling for Customs Union updates and visa liberalization. He stressed that including Türkiye in “Made in EU” initiatives is vital for Europe’s supply chains. On Syria, he noted that governance policies over the past year are critical to managing Syrian refugee flows and ensuring regional stability. Fidan also highlighted Türkiye’s mediation role in the Russia-Ukraine war, saying Ankara supports ongoing US-led efforts.