Politics
Türkiye says Hamas ready for lasting truce, urges Israel to agree
The Palestinian group Hamas is prepared to take constructive steps to make the current Gaza cease-fire permanent, and Israel should demonstrate the same commitment, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Wednesday.
“The Gaza Strip is a part of Palestine; it must remain so and be treated as such,” Fidan said during a joint news conference in Ankara with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty.
Expressing great pleasure in hosting Egypt’s foreign minister, Fidan noted that Abdelatty has been received by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Hailing the vision and will of the presidents of their two nations, Fidan said they are making “significant progress” in ties between the two countries.
Fidan noted that the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) held on Sept. 4, 2024, was a turning point for ties between the two countries, saying that as foreign ministers, they coordinate the cooperation process across various fields.
Noting that he and Abdelatty co-chaired the first meeting of the Türkiye-Egypt Joint Planning Group, he said representatives from the relevant institutions also attended the meeting, addressed aspects of their relations in detail and reviewed the current status of the agreements under negotiation.
“We aim to have these agreements ready for signature by the time of the second HLSCC meeting next year. In this way, we will further strengthen the contractual foundation of our relations,” he added.
The Egyptian foreign minister said Egypt and Türkiye are preparing to hold the second session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Cairo soon, with the participation of Erdoğan.
“I am pleased that my current visit to Ankara coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.”
To mark this occasion, Abdelatty said Egypt plans to present a replica of the statue of one of the great pharaohs, King Amenhotep III, to be placed in a prominent area of the Turkish capital.
He said Cairo and Ankara would work to remove any obstacles preventing the achievement of the targeted trade volume, while continuing efforts to encourage a favorable investment environment and increase Turkish investments in Egypt.
Pointing out that Egypt is Türkiye’s largest trade partner in Africa, Fidan said the bilateral trade volume between the two countries increased by 11% in 2024 compared to the previous year, approaching $9 billion.
He added that they are working to increase this number to $15 billion, stressing the importance of Turkish companies’ role in Egypt.
Fidan said they also decided to deepen cooperation in strategic areas, including transportation, connectivity, energy and hydrocarbons.
Touching on the recent progress made in military cooperation, Fidan said Cairo and Ankara are aiming to mutually advance their militaries and security dialogues via reciprocal visits and exercises.
“We believe that joint projects developed with our public institutions and companies will further strengthen this partnership,” he added.
He announced that a joint statement would be issued following the first meeting of the Türkiye-Egypt Joint Planning Group, adding that the goals and road map for the upcoming period have been formally documented in this way.
Regional issues
Fidan said that Türkiye and Egypt discussed developments in Libya, Sudan and Syria.
He underlined support for Libyan-led efforts toward lasting stability and for making the Eastern Mediterranean a region of fairness and prosperity through joint work with Egypt.
On Sudan, he expressed concern over ongoing clashes, calling for an immediate cease-fire, the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid, stressing Türkiye’s commitment to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.
On Syria, Fidan welcomed its improving regional standing and its participation in the anti-Daesh coalition and reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for a secure, united and terrorism-free Syria.
“Syria’s growing status both regionally and internationally is highly gratifying. The visit of President Ahmed al-Shaara of Syria to Washington, D.C., represents an important development in this regard.
“We also welcome Syria’s participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh. This has created new opportunities to strengthen Syria’s counterterrorism capacity and improve its security environment. Türkiye will continue to support the vision of a Syria that is free from terrorism, secure and possesses territorial integrity,” he added.
He stated that Türkiye-Egypt cooperation is yielding tangible results for regional peace and stability.
Fidan’s contacts in U.S.
Calling his meetings in the U.S. “highly productive,” Fidan said he had the opportunity to attend part of the meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump and al-Shaara.
The talks focused on how U.S.-Syria-Türkiye cooperation could help resolve regional issues, particularly ways to support Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, he added.
Fidan underlined the importance of Trump’s sensitivity to this issue, stating: “It is crucial for the international community to work together for the success of Syria’s new administration – to achieve stability, peace, the return of refugees, and ensure that the new Syria poses no threat to any country in the region.”
He noted that he also held separate meetings with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, where the Syrian issue was discussed in depth.
Following the Trump-al-Shaara meeting, a trilateral meeting was held between the foreign ministers of Syria, Türkiye and the U.S., where more detailed topics were addressed.
“We discussed how to reach an agreement on the security balance between Syria and Israel and how to address the concerns of regional countries on this matter,” Fidan said.
He noted that Washington was trying to play a constructive role in issues involving the Druze population in southern Syria and the PKK/YPG terrorist organization’s presence in the northeast, which was welcomed as an important step for Syria’s stability.
Fidan also pointed out that meetings included a possible U.N. Security Council resolution on Gaza and the idea of an international stabilization force, adding that Türkiye’s views were shared with potential actors involved and that mutual assessments were made.
Abdelatty, for his part, reiterated full support for Syria’s security, stability and sovereignty, emphasizing that Damascus “poses no threat” to the countries of the region.
Abdelatty voiced hope that Syria “will resume its active role within the Arab, Islamic, and international frameworks through an inclusive political process that excludes no one, alongside combating terrorism and extremism to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people.”
Talks on Russia-Ukraine
Fidan said that advancing the Russia-Ukraine talks was discussed, noting that this was an important issue.
He said that in his meeting with Witkoff, they addressed the situation in Ukraine and how both countries could play a role in resolving it.
He added that there were opportunities to exchange views on how to move the talks further and overcome stalled points between Russia and Ukraine.
“We also discussed ongoing issues in the Gaza cease-fire process, how we can overcome them, and how to make the cease-fire more resilient to such challenges,” Fidan said.
Middle East cooperation
Noting that Türkiye and Egypt have worked in close cooperation with regional and international actors since the Gaza crisis began, he said the two countries collaborate closely in key areas.
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s determination to demonstrate its solidarity with Palestine through humanitarian aid and described joint Turkish-Egyptian humanitarian efforts for Gaza as historic.
Fidan said they discussed making this cooperation more institutional, including delivering humanitarian aid to other crisis regions, particularly in Africa, where the two countries share common interests.
He also noted that discussions included how to halt the genocide in Gaza, recalling that the contact group established on this issue has been working determinedly for two years.
“The main question is how to advance this issue, especially within international platforms like the U.N. We have been working seriously on this. The commitment shown by the U.S., especially President Trump, is extremely important. The meeting held here in New York was a historic turning point.
“The fact that Egypt, Türkiye and six other Muslim countries came together with President Trump to discuss the matter in detail – and highlighted that the region’s lasting peace is at risk not only because of Palestine, but more broadly – was very significant. The cease-fire process that began afterward was a major step,” he said.
Fidan underscored the need to advance the two-state solution, noting that he has been working closely with his Egyptian counterpart on this issue.
He added that since these three areas (humanitarian aid, cease-fire and political resolution) follow different paths, they require different approaches.
He referred to the ongoing coordination through the U.N. Security Council, the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meetings, as well as with European partners, saying they have shared “moments of sorrow, joy, and frustration” together.
“We have always acted with brotherly solidarity,” Fidan said.
“We have always believed we are on the right side – on the side of truth, peace, and justice. There has never been any reason for us to step back. We have continued our cooperation with full strength and professionalism, and we will keep doing so. We know that even if we solve one problem, the next one will not be easier – that’s the nature of it. The key is to keep working together more closely, more professionally, and more in coordination.”
Regarding Gaza, Abdelatty called for the swift convening of a reconstruction conference and the entry of medical aid, stressing the urgency of humanitarian action “as winter approaches.”
“Egypt’s goal is to ‘flood’ the Gaza Strip with humanitarian and medical aid as part of early recovery efforts, paving the way for its full reconstruction,” Abdelatty added.
“It is essential to work to ensure the continuation of this (cease-fire) agreement, allow the entry of large quantities of aid, secure Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and prevent a return to war.”
The Egyptian minister stressed the importance of implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of Israeli practices in the occupied West Bank and its opposition to any infringement on Palestinian rights.
Türkiye’s anti-disinformation body rejected claims that certain social groups have been systematically targeted in recent operations and denied reports suggesting new restrictions have been imposed on minority schools.
The Center for Countering Disinformation (DMM), under the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, said claims circulating on some social media platforms alleging that “certain social structures have been systematically and categorically targeted” in recent operations contained disinformation.
The center said judicial and administrative proceedings were not conducted on the basis of the name, nature or social affiliation of any group.
“All judicial and administrative processes are carried out by the competent authorities in accordance with relevant legislation, based on concrete incidents, unlawful acts and evidence obtained,” the DMM said.
It urged the public to rely on official statements and disregard what it described as deliberately circulated manipulative content.
Last week, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek noted recent investigations into organized crime groups target criminal acts rather than religious beliefs or communities.
“The fundamental criterion here is not the identity of any belief, religious structure or community, but criminal acts and structures connected to those acts,” Gürlek said in a social media statement. “Faith and religious values can in no way be turned into an instrument or shield for criminal activities.”
In a separate statement, the DMM also rejected reports suggesting that minority schools in Türkiye were being subjected to specific restrictions.
The center said posts circulating on some social media accounts and in media outlets that created the impression that minority schools were being “specifically targeted through various restrictions” contained disinformation and risked undermining social peace and cohesion.
No new measures beyond provisions already stipulated under relevant legislation have been introduced for minority schools, the DMM said.
It added that the schools continue their education and teaching activities.
Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) spokesperson Ömer Çelik on Tuesday sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing his government of fueling instability and conflict across the region.
“The Netanyahu ‘genocide network’ means nothing but more chaos and massacres for the entire region,” Çelik stressed in a statement on social media.
Çelik said Netanyahu has increasingly targeted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as he faces mounting pressure in Israeli domestic politics, arguing that the attacks stem from Erdoğan’s vocal opposition to Israel’s actions in the region.
He said Erdoğan’s stance represents what he described as an “alliance of humanity” against Israeli policies and called for those responsible for violations to be held accountable under international law.
Çelik also linked Israel’s military actions in Gaza with its policies and operations elsewhere in the region, including the occupied West Bank, Iran, Lebanon and Syria, describing them as parts of the same agenda.
Referring to recent developments in Syria, Çelik accused Israel of targeting the country whenever the government of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa takes steps aimed at strengthening Syria’s territorial and political unity.
“The Netanyahu network’s latest targeting of Syria has once again shown that Israeli policies are the greatest enemy of the peace and stability of the peoples of the region,” Çelik said.
He urged the international community to respond collectively to Israel’s actions in Syria and elsewhere in the region.
“Standing against the Netanyahu network means defending the dignity of all humanity,” Çelik said.
Earlier Sunday, Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement holding Israel responsible for obstructing efforts to establish peace in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories.
Israel has continued its genocide in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 73,000 Palestinians and wounding more than 174,000, most of them women and children. The offensive has also caused widespread destruction, damaging about 90% of the territory’s infrastructure.
Since Monday, the Israeli army has also continued earthmoving operations and work to reopen an old dirt road north of Wadi al-Raqad from the direction of Mariya village, using a bulldozer accompanied by a tank and a pickup truck, SANA said.
Southern Syria has witnessed recurring Israeli incursions and attacks for months, including raids, searches and arrests.
Türkiye on Wednesday marked World Humanitarian Day by stressing the need to protect United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers and ensure the rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of aid to people in need, with officials drawing particular attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a statement marking Aug. 19, which was designated World Humanitarian Day by the U.N. General Assembly in 2008, the Foreign Ministry underscored the importance of safeguarding humanitarian personnel working in conflict zones.
The ministry said the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, at a time when a record number of humanitarian workers have been killed while carrying out their duties, demonstrates the critical importance of the principles represented by World Humanitarian Day, including the responsibility to save lives and protect civilians and aid workers.
“On the occasion of Aug. 19 World Humanitarian Day, we commemorate with gratitude U.N. personnel and humanitarian workers who lost their lives after being targeted while carrying out their duties,” the ministry noted.
Türkiye will continue working to deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need in Gaza and other parts of the world in line with its “people-centered foreign policy,” it added.
Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran also marked the day, saying the international community was going through a period in which the “global conscience” was being severely tested.
Duran pointed to Gaza, where tens of thousands of people, many of them women and children, have been killed and access to basic necessities remains severely restricted, while humanitarian workers have also been targeted.
“Wherever they may be in the world, we will continue to stand with those facing oppression and extend a helping hand to those in need,” Duran said.
He also thanked humanitarian workers who put human life above all else and expressed hope for a world where humanitarian assistance is not obstructed, civilians are protected and justice is upheld.
Through its state and non-state organizations and institutions Türkiye has been a leading international donor of humanitarian assistance. Turkish assistance has been delivered to across five continents through operations coordinated by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The assistance, including providing food, shelter, medical supplies, financial assistance and search and rescue equipment to regions affected by wars and natural disasters, has reached to more than 85 countries and communities worldwide.
Among these operations, Gaza has been the largest recipient of Turkish international humanitarian assistance, where AFAD has coordinated the delivery of 109,332 tons of aid through 14 aircraft and 21 ships following Israeli attacks on the enclave.
In addition, AFAD dispatched 25 “Kindness Trains” carrying 11,739 tons of humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan, alongside six cargo flights; in Sudan, six ships delivered 10,206 tons of aid and 30,000 tents, while Pakistan received 9,079 tons of humanitarian assistance. Additional shipments included 3,000 tons of aid to Somalia and 730 tons to Lebanon.
Nearly 15,000 humanitarian aid trucks have also crossed into Syria, making it one of Türkiye’s largest long-term relief operations.
More recent disaster response missions have included 30 tons of humanitarian aid sent to Venezuela following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country in June. The shipment, transported aboard two military cargo aircraft, included 275 tents and 7 tons of medical supplies. Türkiye also supported Spain after severe flooding by sending 250 large-capacity waste containers and two street-cleaning vehicles to assist recovery efforts.
Alongside AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) and other Turkish humanitarian organizations have expanded Türkiye’s global relief efforts. Kızılay said it reached 32.9 million people worldwide in 2025, including 11.2 million people abroad, delivering more than 20,000 tons of humanitarian aid and over 10 million hot meals in Gaza while continuing operations in Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Niger and Uganda.
During Ramadan 2026, Kızılay carried out humanitarian operations in 21 countries, providing iftar and sahur meals, food packages and emergency relief. In Gaza alone, it served 60,000 people daily through soup kitchens, while its 21st “Ship of Goodness” delivered aid to Egypt’s al-Arish Port for onward transport into the enclave. The organization also distributed assistance in Yemen, Sudan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq and Syria.
Meanwhile, the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) and the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation announced Ramadan aid programs spanning 66 and 86 countries.
Kızılay also dispatched 48 tons of humanitarian aid to Iran in April after receiving a request from the Iranian Red Crescent. The four-truck convoy carried shelter materials, hygiene kits and trauma supplies for civilians affected by ongoing attacks, with the organization saying further assistance would continue in line with humanitarian needs.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to humanitarian aid worldwide, pledging to continue standing with people in need, particularly in Gaza, as more than 300 million people struggle without access to basic necessities.
Marking World Humanitarian Day in a post on X, Erdoğan said Türkiye would continue setting an example on an issue that transcends politics, drawing strength from its history and deeply rooted civilizational values.
He said Türkiye remains the world’s leading provider of humanitarian assistance relative to its national income.
Erdoğan pointed to the plight of more than 300 million people deprived of their most basic needs and struggling to survive under difficult conditions, saying the scale of suffering presents a reality that calls on the entire international community to shoulder responsibility.
He stressed that coming to the aid of the oppressed, orphans, vulnerable and needy, and standing by those who have no one else, is a responsibility rooted in Türkiye’s religious and humanitarian values.
Erdoğan pledged that Türkiye would continue extending its “hand of compassion” wherever people are in need.
He added that Türkiye would continue supporting those in need across many parts of the world, particularly in Gaza, while offering hope to people facing oppression and hardship.
Through its state and non-state organizations and institutions Türkiye has been a leading international donor of humanitarian assistance. Turkish assistance has been delivered to across five continents through operations coordinated by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The assistance, including providing food, shelter, medical supplies, financial assistance and search and rescue equipment to regions affected by wars and natural disasters, has reached to more than 85 countries and communities worldwide.
Among these operations, Gaza has been the largest recipient of Turkish international humanitarian assistance, where AFAD has coordinated the delivery of 109,332 tons of aid through 14 aircraft and 21 ships following Israeli attacks on the enclave.
In addition, AFAD dispatched 25 “Kindness Trains” carrying 11,739 tons of humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan, alongside six cargo flights; in Sudan, six ships delivered 10,206 tons of aid and 30,000 tents, while Pakistan received 9,079 tons of humanitarian assistance. Additional shipments included 3,000 tons of aid to Somalia and 730 tons to Lebanon.
Nearly 15,000 humanitarian aid trucks have also crossed into Syria, making it one of Türkiye’s largest long-term relief operations.
More recent disaster response missions have included 30 tons of humanitarian aid sent to Venezuela following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country in June. The shipment, transported aboard two military cargo aircraft, included 275 tents and 7 tons of medical supplies. Türkiye also supported Spain after severe flooding by sending 250 large-capacity waste containers and two street-cleaning vehicles to assist recovery efforts.
Alongside AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) and other Turkish humanitarian organizations have expanded Türkiye’s global relief efforts. Kızılay said it reached 32.9 million people worldwide in 2025, including 11.2 million people abroad, delivering more than 20,000 tons of humanitarian aid and over 10 million hot meals in Gaza while continuing operations in Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Niger and Uganda.
Türkiye on Wednesday rejected any legal implications from Greece’s newly announced renewable energy spatial plan in the Aegean Sea, stressing that unilateral initiatives cannot alter Ankara’s longstanding legal position on disputes between the two neighbors.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli said Greece’s “Special Spatial Framework for Renewable Energy Sources,” announced Wednesday and covering the Aegean Sea, would have no legal consequences for Türkiye regarding the interconnected disputes between Ankara and Athens.
He said this also applied to geographical formations whose sovereignty has not been transferred to Greece under international treaties.
“These and similar initiatives will not affect Türkiye’s legal position regarding Aegean issues,” Keçeli said.
The spokesperson reiterated Ankara’s position that unilateral actions should be avoided in enclosed or semi-enclosed seas such as the Aegean and Mediterranean, noting that international maritime law encourages cooperation among coastal states.
Keçeli stressed that Türkiye, as one of the two coastal states of the Aegean, remains ready to cooperate with Greece.
He also reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to resolving outstanding disputes through international law, equity and good-neighborly relations under the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good-Neighbourliness signed on Dec. 7, 2023.
Türkiye’s communications director Burhanettin Duran said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threats and accusations against Türkiye and Syria reflect his government’s growing international isolation and domestic political concerns, pledging Ankara would continue opposing policies that threaten regional stability.
Responding to questions from Anadolu Agency (AA) about Netanyahu’s recent remarks targeting Türkiye, Duran said the Israeli leader was attempting to portray regional countries as threats to divert attention from criticism of his government’s policies.
“The threats and lies Netanyahu voiced against Türkiye and Syria in an interview are a new reflection of the Israeli prime minister’s growing international isolation, political fears and delusions,” Duran noted.
He said Netanyahu’s efforts to create what he called “imaginary threats and enemies” no longer had a significant impact on international public opinion, arguing that opposition to Israel’s policies was increasing.
Duran stressed Netanyahu was using hostility toward Türkiye as a political “lifeline” amid domestic concerns and approaching elections, while competing with more radical political factions in Israel.
He accused Netanyahu’s government of pursuing aggressive policies stretching from Gaza to Syria and Lebanon and of tolerating settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territories.
“The problem is not that people do not sufficiently understand Israeli policies, but that more and more people understand and reject them,” Duran said, adding that accusations against regional countries and large-scale public relations campaigns were therefore producing limited results.
Asked whether Netanyahu’s rhetoric could signal an expansion of Israeli military action toward Türkiye, he noted regional countries and the international community were increasingly opposing what Ankara sees as an Israeli strategy that fuels wider conflict.
“The entire region is coming together against a strategic destabilizing actor,” he said.
Duran argued that the Netanyahu government had largely abandoned diplomacy and dialogue, saying its approach increasingly equated security with continued military action rather than regional stability.
Türkiye’s opposition to those policies, he underlined, stems not from Ankara posing a threat to Israel but from Türkiye’s regional influence and its stance against actions that it believes undermine security and stability.
Duran also pointed to criticism of Netanyahu within Israel, saying opposition figures had described his anti-Türkiye rhetoric as irresponsible and damaging.
He described Türkiye as an experienced regional power and NATO member that has strengthened both its diplomatic influence and defense capabilities.
The Israeli government should instead pursue a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and refrain from further destabilizing actions, Duran said.
Asked how Ankara would respond to Israel’s policies, Duran said Türkiye would continue supporting countries pursuing peaceful policies in the region, particularly Syria.
“We are a cautious, coolheaded and powerful country,” he said, adding that Türkiye had the ability to protect its national security while avoiding what he described as attempts to drag the region into further confrontation.
“Türkiye will never allow anyone to disturb the peace of our nation and our friends,” he emphasized.
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