Turkish minister: Israeli PM’s plan to resume attacks raises alarms VIDEO

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that recent developments in the region have shown that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no intention of maintaining a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

In an interview with the Turkish TRT World channel, Fidan stated that, unfortunately, Netanyahu’s plan was to resume attacks as soon as all the hostages were released, as there was no other pressure or force, apart from the Americans, that could stop him, Caliber.Az reports. 

Fidan emphasised that US President Donald Trump and his administration have a responsibility to prevent a new genocide in Gaza, stating that otherwise, Trump's campaign promise to end wars would be rendered meaningless.

The minister expressed hope that negotiators from both sides would agree on the necessary details for transitioning to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Fidan added that the next two weeks would be crucial in terms of moving to the second phase. 

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, took effect on January 19 and is expected to be fully implemented by March 1. The second phase aims to secure a long-term truce and further prisoner exchanges. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that the security cabinet would convene on February 17 to discuss the next steps in negotiations. Netanyahu has instructed an Israeli delegation to travel to Cairo for further discussions. 

Following the cabinet meeting, the delegation will receive directives regarding the second phase of the ceasefire process. During a joint press conference with Netanyahu on February 16, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored Washington’s position, stating that Hamas “must not remain the ruling power in Gaza.”

By Naila Huseynova