Turkish FM Urges Restraint in Call with Blinken, Presses for Gaza Ceasefire

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called on Israel to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region, expressing deep concern over the ongoing conflict. Fidan made these remarks during a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which was initiated at Blinken’s request, according to a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

In the conversation, Fidan emphasized the importance of international pressure on Israel to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. He highlighted that the recent assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh and the continued violence against Palestinians underscore Israel’s lack of commitment to peace.

“Minister Fidan stated that the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh and the ongoing massacre against Palestinians once again demonstrated Israel’s lack of willingness to establish peace,” said Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli on the social media platform X.

The two officials also discussed the broader negotiation process between Israel and Hamas, with Fidan noting that Hamas has previously shown a constructive attitude toward achieving a ceasefire.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry’s statement underscores Ankara’s position that Israel’s actions are contributing to the instability in the region, and it reiterates Turkey’s call for an immediate and lasting resolution to the conflict.