Turkey urges international pressure on Israel to uphold Gaza peace plan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday called for increased international pressure on Israel to uphold the Gaza peace plan, warning that conditions in Gaza and the West Bank risk further instability, energy security challenges, and irregular migration.

Speaking at a joint news conference in Ankara with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Fidan said: "The efforts that the parties will make on this issue are important. In particular, putting pressure on Israel’s reluctance and preventing its violations are extremely important for moving to the second phase in Gaza." He added: "Frankly, we are warning both the international community, the mediators, and all actors on the Board of Peace to take the necessary measures."

Fidan described the West Bank as "an extension of Israeli expansionism in the region," and said the situation there does not serve the interests of the region or Europe. He also said that 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli occupation, warning that further expansion could trigger additional migration. "Israel must be placed under more qualified international pressure on this issue," Fidan said.

On regional tensions, Fidan said Turkey is working to ensure talks between Iran and the US reach a swift conclusion, and that it hopes talks launched in Islamabad will succeed. He highlighted serious problems regarding energy prices and supply, and the supply of food and other products for countries in the region, stressing the importance of alternative connectivity routes.

Fidan noted that Meinl-Reisinger attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and said bilateral ties with Austria have intensified, with talks covering trade, investment, irregular migration, counterterrorism, and consular matters. He said Turkey’s position on EU membership remains unchanged, and that Ankara expects Austria’s support on updating the Customs Union and securing visa liberalization.

On the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan said Turkey supports ongoing US-led mediation efforts. "Türkiye has hosted Russia-Ukraine negotiations in various formats and at various levels since 2022," he said, reaffirming that Ankara will continue contributing to efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.