Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a telephone conversation with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, on Tuesday, with a primary focus on international efforts to secure a ceasefire and lasting peace in the Gaza Strip, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

The discussion, which was confirmed by officials in Ankara, involved a high-level evaluation of the ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict and establishing a sustainable peace. The sources did not provide specific details on the proposals or conclusions reached during the call.

The high-level diplomatic exchange comes just one day after a significant development in the international approach to the war. On Monday, US President Donald Trump, standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a White House press conference, unveiled a new 20-point plan intended to bring an end to Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

The timing of the call between Ministers Fidan and Barrot suggests a coordinated effort among key international players to discuss and align their positions following the US announcement. Both Turkey and France have been actively involved in Middle Eastern diplomacy and have previously expressed strong views on the necessity of a two-state solution and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

As of now, neither the Turkish nor the French foreign ministry has released an official joint statement, leaving the specific nuances of their discussion private. The call underscores the continued urgency within the international community to find a diplomatic resolution to the prolonged conflict. (ILKHA)