Ankara has expressed strong opposition to any initiatives aimed at excluding the population of Gaza from the diplomatic process. This was stated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan while discussing key foreign policy issues at a roundtable hosted by Anadolu Agency on February 4.

Fidan once again criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to resettle refugees from Gaza in Arab countries, calling it absolutely unacceptable for both Turkey and the entire region. He emphasized that the Palestinian issue began with the expulsion of Palestinians from their lands and the settlement of Israelis on those territories. He argued that the solution to the conflict should be the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The minister also addressed the compliance with the ceasefire in Gaza, noting that Israel periodically violates the truce, resulting in casualties. However, at the moment, the ceasefire conditions are being largely respected, although there are still issues with the delivery of humanitarian aid and construction materials to Gaza. Turkey is actively working with neighboring countries to resolve these problems.

Fidan emphasized that the United States is the only country among the ceasefire guarantors that has the ability to pressure Israel into complying with the ceasefire. Ankara is hopeful for changes in the U.S. administration that could improve the situation in the region.

The Turkish minister also commented on the recent visit of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to Turkey. During the talks, Syria's position on combating the terrorist organization PKK/YPG was clearly stated, and issues related to security, energy supply, and transport cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

Fidan noted that Turkey and Syria will continue to actively develop their relations, focusing particularly on joint actions to combat terrorism and ensure border security.

The minister also mentioned that Turkey will continue its close cooperation with Iraq on security matters and the fight against the PKK, and announced the creation of a joint mechanism to combat the terrorist organization ISIS, in collaboration with Iraq, Syria, and Jordan.

Fidan also commented on global political trends, stating that the world is moving toward a "law of the jungle," where powerful nations ignore the interests of others and act solely in their own interests.

In addition, Hakan Fidan announced the planned meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which will take place in April within the framework of the High-Level Cooperation Council.