Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that ongoing Israeli violations in Gaza are severely undermining international efforts to advance a peace plan for the besieged enclave, describing the situation as making the process “incredibly more difficult.”

Fidan made the remarks on Saturday following high-level talks held in the United States involving Türkiye, the US, Egypt, and Qatar. The meeting, which took place on Friday in Miami, focused on the latest developments in Gaza and the future of the peace framework launched after the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit.

Türkiye was represented at the talks by Fidan, who later briefed reporters on the discussions and his related diplomatic engagements. He said the meeting was one of the most significant gatherings since the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, noting that talks continued in various formats until late at night.

Fidan said considerable time has passed since the Gaza Peace Plan was launched and confirmed that the first phase has now been completed following the release of the last hostage. Attention has therefore shifted to discussions on moving to the second phase of the agreement.

“Now that the first phase has been completed, the parameters for transitioning to the second phase are being discussed,” Fidan said. “Perhaps after Sharm el-Sheikh, yesterday’s meeting was the most important one.”

However, he stressed that repeated ceasefire violations by Israel are endangering the entire process. “As Türkiye, we clearly stated that ceasefire violations are putting the peace plan at risk and creating major dangers for the transition to the second phase,” he said. “The ongoing violations by Israel, in particular, are making the process incredibly more difficult.”

Fidan added that all parties at the table shared similar concerns and that discussions were held on possible mechanisms to prevent further violations.

Among the key issues discussed was a preliminary framework for the reconstruction of Gaza, which was presented during the meeting. Fidan emphasized that Türkiye has set clear principles regarding any future arrangements in the territory.

“First, Gaza must be governed by Gazans. Second, Gaza must not be divided territorially in any way. Third, everything done in Gaza must be done for Gazans,” he said.

He noted that significant international investment is being considered for Gaza’s reconstruction but stressed that such efforts must directly benefit the Palestinian population rather than external actors.

Fidan also said talks addressed possible timelines for transferring Gaza’s administration to a committee of technocrats, the establishment of a Peace Council, and parallel discussions on forming an International Stability Force to help maintain security.

Highlighting the humanitarian dimension, Fidan said the delivery of aid to Gaza remains a top priority for Türkiye, noting that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is particularly sensitive to the issue.

Drawing on Türkiye’s own experience, Fidan pointed to the country’s rapid post-earthquake reconstruction efforts following the devastating Feb. 6, 2023, earthquakes that killed more than 50,000 people. He said Türkiye completed a massive housing project of around 500,000 homes within three years and argued that this experience could serve as a model for rebuilding Gaza.

“I think it was the most important meeting at the highest level since Sharm el-Sheikh,” Fidan concluded, while warning that without an end to Israeli violations, prospects for peace and reconstruction in Gaza remain at serious risk. (ILKHA)