 "Displaced Palestinians walk along the coastal road near Wadi Gaza in the central Gaza Strip, moving toward northern Gaza, on Friday, after Israel and Hamas have agreed to a pause in their war and the release of the remaining hostages. AP")
Turkey will leverage its diplomatic influence by rallying key Muslim allies in Istanbul on Monday to discuss the escalating crisis in Gaza and the future governance of the territory.
The high-level meeting comes as the weeks-old ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump , shows increasing signs of strain due to continued Israeli strikes and reported Palestinian attacks.
Foreign Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia are expected to convene in Istanbul. These same diplomats were previously consulted by President Trump just before he unveiled his plan to halt the two-year-long Israel-Hamas conflict.
Push for Palestinian control
According to sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Ankara plans to urge the dignitaries to support a framework where Palestinians assume control of Gaza’s security and governance.
On the eve of the conference, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with a Hamas delegation led by lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya. Fidan emphasised that a ceasefire alone is insufficient, stating, “We must end the massacre in Gaza,” and arguing for the long-term two-state solution.
“We should recognise that Gaza should be governed by the Palestinians, and act with caution,” Fidan added.
Tensions with Israel
The initiative is complicated by deep Turkish-Israeli tensions.
Turkey has been a fervent critic of Israel’s offensive and a prominent backer of Hamas.
Minister Fidan has accused Israel of actively seeking excuses to violate the Trump-brokered truce.
Fidan is also expected to renew calls for Israel to permit greater humanitarian aid into Gaza, which is facing severe hunger and a massive death toll from the Israeli offensive.
Israel, citing Turkey’s close relationship with Hamas, has voiced strong suspicion of Ankara’s diplomatic involvement. Israeli leaders have repeatedly opposed Turkey—a NATO member—from having any role in the international peacekeeping force currently being mooted to stabilise Gaza following an Israeli army withdrawal.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsFurthermore, a Turkish disaster relief team, intended to assist in recovering bodies and hostages, reportedly remains stuck at the border due to Israel’s refusal to grant entry.