Erdogan welcomes Gaza ceasefire, pledges Turkish support for implementation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed “great satisfaction” over the outcome of the talks between Hamas and Israel in Sharm el-Sheikh, which Türkiye also participated in, culminating in a ceasefire agreement for Gaza.

“I welcome with great satisfaction that the Sharm el-Sheikh talks, in which we also participated, ended with a ceasefire in Gaza,” Erdogan said in an official address, excerpts of which were released by the presidential office.

He extended special thanks to those “who showed political will,” highlighting the role of key mediators: “Special thanks to US President Donald Trump, as well as our brotherly countries Qatar and Egypt for their important support in reaching an agreement.”

“Türkiye will closely monitor that the agreement is implemented exactly and will continue to provide the necessary assistance,” he said.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s long-term commitment to Palestinian statehood, the president underscored the goal of an independent Palestinian state. “We will continue to fight until an independent, sovereign and territorially contiguous Palestinian state centred in East Jerusalem on the basis of the 1967 borders is established,” he stressed.

Erdogan also offered heartfelt support and condolences to Palestinians affected by the conflict:
“At this moment, I turn to all my Palestinian brothers who have experienced untold suffering in two years — those who are fighting for life and dignity under inhumane conditions, those who have lost children, mothers, fathers, relatives and friends. I send you my most heartfelt greetings. May God help them; may the souls of our martyrs be at peace, may they be in paradise.”

The remarks came after Israel and Hamas reached the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire framework on October 8. The agreement envisions the swift release of all hostages held in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces to an agreed line, and the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners.

US President Donald Trump noted that hostages are expected to be released on October 13 and acknowledged that the announcement did not yet resolve all outstanding issues, including Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s future governance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement as a “diplomatic success and a national and moral victory” for Israel, while Hamas thanked Trump and the mediators — Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye — for their crucial roles in facilitating the deal.

The news prompted celebrations among families of Israeli hostages and those previously freed from Gaza, while Palestinians in the enclave welcomed the development with cautious hope that it could mark the end of the conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova