Türkiye, US urge de-escalation in Syria, call for cease-fire in Gaza

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a phone conversation on December 1 to discuss critical developments in Syria, Gaza, and other regional issues, with both sides emphasizing the need for de-escalation and humanitarian relief.

Fidan underscored Türkiye’s firm opposition to actions that could exacerbate instability in the region, stating, Türkiye “will never allow terrorist activities targeting Syrian civilians.” He reiterated Ankara’s commitment to peace in Syria, stressing that stability can only be achieved through the conclusion of the political process between the Assad regime and the opposition, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry revealed that the conversation also touched on the situation in Lebanon and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Fidan urged immediate action, stating, Israel must fulfil its commitments to ensure a permanent cease-fire in Lebanon. Additionally, an immediate cease-fire is critical in Gaza, coupled with the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the shared need for protecting civilians and infrastructure in Syria, particularly in Aleppo. “Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Fidan discussed the need for de-escalation and the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure in Aleppo and elsewhere,” US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza also featured prominently in the discussion. Miller noted, “The Secretary and the Foreign Minister addressed “ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the need to bring the war to an end and secure the release of all hostages.”

The officials also briefly addressed matters related to Ukraine and the South Caucasus, reflecting a broad-ranging conversation on key geopolitical challenges.

Syria's civil war, which began in 2011 following a government crackdown on pro-democracy protests, has evolved into a complex conflict involving regional and global powers. After years of territorial losses, President Bashar al-Assad's government regained significant ground with the backing of Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah. However, the latest developments mark a critical turning point, as opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launch a major offensive against government-controlled areas.

The rebel advance began on November 27, culminating in the capture of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, for the first time since 2016. This offensive has been accompanied by fierce fighting, with the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reporting over 300 deaths, including at least 20 civilians. Russian airstrikes, a key element of Assad's past military strategy, have resumed but with reduced intensity compared to earlier phases of the war.

The rebels, supported by Turkish-backed factions, have extended their gains southward into rural areas of Idlib and Hama, further challenging government forces. In response, the Syrian military has reinforced its defensive lines and launched counteroffensives with Russian support.

The situation underscores the fragility of the 2020 ceasefire agreement and the waning influence of Assad's allies. Russia's focus on its war in Ukraine and Iran’s strain from regional conflicts have weakened their capacity to sustain Assad’s regime. Meanwhile, escalating violence has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with thousands fleeing Aleppo and nearby regions.

The United Nations has expressed grave concern, warning of severe risks to civilians and calling for urgent political engagement to resolve the conflict. Despite these appeals, the latest developments suggest a protracted escalation that could reshape Syria's political and territorial landscape.