Turkey Holds Ministerial Meeting on Gaza Ceasefire and Future Actions
On November 3, 2025, Istanbul hosted a crucial ministerial meeting focused on the ongoing Gaza ceasefire. Foreign ministers from several Muslim-majority nations gathered to discuss both the fragile ceasefire and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Key Participants and Discussions
The meeting included prominent figures such as:
- Hakan Fidan – Turkish Foreign Minister
- Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi – Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Mohammad Ishaq Dar – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
- Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud – Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister
- Ayman Safadi – Jordanian Foreign Minister
- Sugiono – Indonesia’s Foreign Minister
- Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar – UAE Minister of State
The agenda included discussions on the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, which has faced significant challenges since its implementation on October 10. Key issues that remain unresolved include the disarmament of Hamas and a timeline for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Heightened Tensions and Accusations
In the lead-up to the meeting, Turkey emerged as a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling them as genocidal. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan stated that while Hamas has adhered to the ceasefire, Israel has displayed a “very poor record” in this regard.
The Turkish government has expressed concerns over the escalating violence, noting that over 200 innocent lives have been lost since the ceasefire began. Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s stance against any attempts to annex the West Bank or alter the status of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of preserving the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa mosque.
International Stabilization Force Discussions
The meeting also aimed to establish a framework for an international stabilization force to oversee the ceasefire’s implementation. Despite Turkey’s eagerness to participate in this task force, Israel has resisted any Turkish involvement in monitoring operations.
Implications for Future Actions
The assembly of foreign ministers marks a significant step in addressing the humanitarian situation and the sustainability of the Gaza ceasefire. As Israel and Hamas continue to exchange accusations of violations, the international community watches closely for developments that could impact the region’s stability.
Overall, the discussions in Istanbul serve to highlight the complexities of negotiating peace in a historically fraught landscape. The credibility of the ceasefire and the potential for future escalations remain critical points of concern for all parties involved.
