Trump Envoy Praises Türkiye's Critical Role in Gaza Ceasefire Deal

US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff has formally acknowledged Türkiye's crucial diplomatic role in securing the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. During a speech at Hostages' Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday, Witkoff specifically thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan alongside other regional leaders for their mediation efforts that proved essential to the deal's success.

Addressing thousands of gathered Israelis, Witkoff described the roles played by Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt as "critical and integral" to the peace process. "To the Arab leaders and partners of ours who meant so much in this negotiation — including President Erdogan from Türkiye, Sheikh Mohammed and the Emir of Qatar, and President Sisi of Egypt — all played a critical role in this peace deal," stated the Trump envoy, emphasizing the collaborative international effort behind the ceasefire.

The envoy's remarks generated varied responses from the audience, with cheers erupting at the mention of Donald Trump's leadership, while references to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were met with disapproval. Witkoff emphasized that "Trump showed the world that strength and peace go hand in hand," highlighting the former president's approach to international diplomacy during the sensitive negotiations.

The speech coincided with preparations for implementing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement that took effect Friday noon local time. The initial phase includes a 72-hour window for prisoner exchanges, with Israeli forces having completed a gradual withdrawal to designated lines. The deal envisions the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

According to the agreement's framework, a second phase would establish a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas' participation and create a joint security force comprising Palestinian personnel and troops from Arab and Islamic countries. The conflict has resulted in extensive casualties since October 2023, with Palestinian authorities reporting over 67,600 deaths, predominantly women and children.