Turkey warns that blocking Trump's Gaza plan would be a 'massive failure' for the US and the world.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that a legitimate Palestinian civil administration and a properly trained, vetted police force are essential for Hamas to disarm. Speaking to Reuters at the Doha Forum on Saturday, Fidan warned that failing to advance the US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan would represent a "major failure" for both Washington and the international community. He noted that former President Donald Trump had personally driven the initiative.

Fidan highlighted that a credible Palestinian administration must assume governance of Gaza and establish a local police force independent of Hamas. "First, we need to ensure that the Palestinian technical committee is running Gazas administration. Then, we must see a police force established, managed by Palestinians, not Hamas," he explained.

As a NATO member, Turkey has been an outspoken critic of Israels operations in Gaza and played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire, signing the agreement as a guarantor. The country has expressed its readiness to help monitor the deal's implementation, although Israel opposes its involvement. Discussions to move forward with the next stage of Trumps peace plan are ongoing.

The US-backed initiative envisions a temporary technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, supervised by an international board of peace and supported by a multinational security force. Negotiations on the makeup and authority of this force have proven challenging.

Fidan stated that the Gaza police would operate under the support of an international stabilization force. He added that the US is urging Israel to accept Turkeys participation, and Ankara has expressed readiness to contribute troops if necessary.

Regarding Syria, Fidan noted that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) appear unwilling to integrate into the state structures as agreed in March, aiming instead to circumvent the deal. Turkey, which classifies the SDF as a terrorist group, has threatened military action if the group does not comply before year-end. "There can only be one army and one command structure," Fidan said, though he acknowledged that local administrations could reach separate arrangements.

Fidan also commented on minority rights in Syria, stressing that Turkeys support for the new government is not a license to oppress any group. He identified Israeli actions in southwestern Syria as a destabilizing factor, despite Damascus efforts toward national unity.

On broader international issues, Fidan described Washingtons initial 28-point plan for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a starting point, with negotiations evolving positively. He emphasized the importance of continued engagement from all parties. Regarding US sanctions imposed on Turkey in 2020 over the S-400 missile system purchase, Fidan expressed optimism about a resolution, saying both sides are actively working to remove the obstacle.

Author: Riley Thompson