NATO member Turkey, one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s attacks on Gaza, joined the ceasefire talks as a mediator after a mostly indirect participation. Her increased role follows a meeting last month between Erdogan and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
– As Turkey, we are doing everything we can to ensure a ceasefire. The Hamas side adheres to the ceasefire. In fact, he openly declares his commitment to it. Israel, meanwhile, continues to violate the ceasefire – Erdogan told reporters on his way back from a regional tour of the Gulf.
“The international community, namely the United States, must do more to ensure Israel’s full respect for the cease-fire and the agreement,” he said, according to a transcript of his comments shared by his office on Friday.
– Israel must be forced to fulfill its promises through sanctions and stopping the sale of weapons – he added
Ankara has said it will join a “working group” to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire, that its armed forces can serve in a military or civilian capacity as needed and that it will play an active role in rebuilding the enclave.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday signaled his opposition to any role for Turkish forces in the security of the Gaza Strip.
Asked about Netanyahu’s comments, Erdogan refrained from his usual criticism of the Israeli leader and appeared to soften his earlier commitment to taking a role on the ground in Gaza, saying talks on the matter were still ongoing.
– Talks continue about the working group that will work in Gaza. The modalities of this are not yet clear. Since this is a multifaceted issue, comprehensive negotiations are underway. We are ready to provide Gaza with any form of support in this matter – he said.
He also reiterated a previous call for Gulf states to act now on funding Gaza’s reconstruction efforts, saying no one can complete the task alone.
Relations between Israel’s former allies and Turkey have reached new lows during the Gaza war, with Ankara accusing Netanyahu’s government of genocide, which Israel has repeatedly denied, Reuters reports.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
