Istanbul / PNN /
Foreign ministers of Muslim-majority countries meet today, Monday, in the city of Istanbul for a session dedicated to discussing the next phase in the Gaza Strip following the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which was reached on the basis of a plan put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Participating in the Monday meeting are seven countries: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia. The leaders of these states had previously met with President Trump in late September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
A few days later, the U.S. President revealed his plan to end the war that broke out in Gaza on October 7, 2023, causing massive destruction in the besieged enclave and leading to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, which the United Nations says resulted in famine in some of its areas.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said last week that the Istanbul meeting aims “to assess our progress and discuss what we can achieve together in the next stage,” considering that “a peace plan has begun to take shape, offering a ray of hope for all.”
The cease-fire in the Strip has been in effect since October 10, but has been marred by violations, with both parties accusing each other of responsibility.
Fidan confirmed that Monday’s deliberations will address questions such as: “What are the obstacles to its implementation? What are the challenges that must be overcome? What are the next steps? What will we discuss with our Western friends? And what forms of support are available for the ongoing talks with the United States?”
Fidan welcomed to Istanbul on Saturday a delegation from the political bureau of Hamas led by Khalil al‑Haya.
During a forum in Istanbul, Fidan said: “We must put an end to the massacre in Gaza. A cease-fire alone is not enough,” reiterating once again support for a two-state solution to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
“We must acknowledge that Gaza should be governed by Palestinians — and we must act with caution,” he added.
According to sources from Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, Fidan will call on Monday for the establishment of mechanisms enabling Palestinians to secure security and governance in Gaza.
Fidan — who has accused Israel of seeking excuses to breach the cease-fire — will stress the necessity of bolstering humanitarian aid entry into Gaza.
Israel regards with suspicion Ankara’s role, as Turkey steps up diplomatic communications with regional states and seeks to influence the U.S. stance toward Israel, especially given Ankara’s relationship with Hamas.
Israeli officials have repeatedly rejected Turkey’s participation in the proposed international force for deployment in the Gaza Strip.
Under the next phase, President Trump’s 20-point plan envisages the formation of a “temporary international stability force for immediate deployment” in Gaza, to “provide training and support to an approved Palestinian police force.”
The force is expected to deploy to ensure stability in the enclave as the Israeli army gradually withdraws, primarily comprising troops from Arab and Muslim countries.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has stressed that only countries Israel considers “neutral” may participate in the international force.
Saar explained last week: “I want to say that the countries wishing or willing to send forces should at least be neutral. They may not necessarily be pro-Israel, but they must not be hostile to it,” noting that “Turkey, unfortunately, under the leadership of (President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan), has adopted a hostile approach toward Israel — not just in statements but also through diplomatic and economic steps against it.”
In an additional indicator of tension between Tel Aviv and Ankara over Gaza, a Turkish relief team sent to search for the bodies of Israeli captives is still waiting for clearance to cross from Egypt’s Rafah into the Strip.
