By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL-Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan leaves for Egypt on Friday, to meet with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry to discuss the ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas at the Gaza Strip. The two foreign ministers will focus on regional and bilateral issues as well as international issues, according to a statement from Turkiye’s foreign ministry. Fidan’s trip comes on the heels of a visit earlier this week by President Erdogan to Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to discuss possible ways to bring a swift end to the conflict. The leaders called on both sides to end their violence immediately and to protect civilians. In a recent press conference on October 11, Erdogan repeatedly called on Israel to adhere to the U.N. Charter and international law on protecting civilians. As Erdogan reiterated: “But how did we get here? This didn’t happen in one day. Gaza has no electricity, no water. Where are human rights.?” Erdogan spoke to regional leaders about how best to mediate the conflict and Turkiye is currently involved in intense diplomacy with regard to freeing hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas militants. The Turkish leader held talks via phone with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday about the situation.
Meanwhile, Fidan is at the center of his country’s efforts to find resolution to the conflict and has been involved in talks with foreign ministers from every part of the world including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki. On Friday, Fidan spoke to UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the conflict, discussing the humanitarian situation in Gaza, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source. Turkiye has already offered to assist with humanitarian aid and sent financial aid to the region. Speaking to Insight Turkey earlier in October, Fidan commented that there must be a fair solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict which he labeled as “one of the greatest global injustices of our time.” Fidan told the publication that Turkiye supports the Palestinian people in their struggle “for their legitimate rights on the basis of international law.” He added that a two-state solution is also the way for Israel to find the peace and security it needs.
Fidan’s visit is another step in the direction toward Turkiye and Egypt implementing restoration of normal diplomatic relations. Toward that end, Fidan’s discussions with Egypt provide a backdrop to further expand new cooperation. As for the ongoing conflict, Turkish President Erdogan has made it clear in recent press conferences that Turkiye doesn’t justify any violence against civilians or any attacks on civilian settlements. His government has urged “restraint” on both sides, though Erdogan expressed his doubts about the current conflict in a press conference with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Ankara, recently. As Erdogan remarked: “Frankly, I have grave concerns. I don’t think this (conflict) will stop in a week or ….” On Tuesday, Erdogan discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog as well as with the heads of state of Lebanon, Qatar, Egypt and West Bank Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. In addition, on Friday, Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the conflict. As the Turkish President’s Directorate of Communications explained in a statement, Erdogan expressed to Macron that violations of human rights in Gaza are unacceptable. Erdogan added that Western countries must get involved to ease tensions and promote peace. The Turkish leader reiterated the need for the international community to support a two-state solution that he said would ultimately put an end to the conflict.
