During his recent trip to the United States and in a subsequent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Erdogan discussed potential pathways to resolving the conflict in Palestine. He highlighted Türkiye’s active role in facilitating dialogue, particularly in relation to the U.S. administration’s proposed Gaza ceasefire plan. Erdogan revealed that President Trump had specifically requested Türkiye’s assistance in engaging with Hamas to encourage their participation in peace talks. “Trump specifically asked us to talk to Hamas and persuade them, and we promptly got in touch with our interlocutors on this matter,” Erdogan stated, underscoring Türkiye’s strategic position as a mediator in the region.
In a promising development, Erdogan shared that Hamas responded positively to these overtures, expressing readiness to engage in peace negotiations. “Hamas told us in its response that it is ready for peace and negotiations. In my view, this is a very valuable step,” he noted. This willingness from Hamas to pursue dialogue could mark a turning point in efforts to de-escalate the violence in Gaza, which has been plagued by recurring cycles of conflict and humanitarian crises. Erdogan’s comments reflect Türkiye’s commitment to fostering a diplomatic resolution that prioritizes Palestinian self-governance and regional stability.
Erdogan also addressed the recent attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian aid mission aimed at delivering essential supplies to Gaza. The flotilla was targeted by Israeli forces last week, prompting international condemnation. Erdogan revealed that Türkiye closely monitored the flotilla’s movements using advanced technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and naval ships. He personally oversaw the mission’s progress through live footage provided by Türkiye’s Akinci drones, a testament to the country’s growing technological capabilities in defense and surveillance. “We followed the process closely with our drones and ships,” Erdogan said, emphasizing Türkiye’s proactive stance in safeguarding humanitarian efforts in the region.
The Turkish president further elaborated on the broader implications of the Gaza situation, stressing that any lasting solution must prioritize Palestinian governance. He argued that ensuring Gaza remains a Palestinian territory is not only a matter of justice but also a prerequisite for sustainable peace. Erdogan expressed cautious optimism about ongoing ceasefire negotiations taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, which he described as a critical opportunity to stabilize the region. He also highlighted the potential for establishing a stabilization force in Gaza to maintain security, a proposal he believes warrants serious consideration. “Security in Gaza and the establishment of a stabilization force can be evaluated,” Erdogan said, signaling Türkiye’s willingness to contribute to such efforts if they align with Palestinian aspirations.
Turning his attention to Syria, Erdogan addressed the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict and the role of various factions in shaping the country’s future. He called on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia, to fulfill their commitments to integrate fully with the Syrian state. Erdogan emphasized that such integration is essential for fostering national unity and preventing further fragmentation in Syria. “The Syrian Democratic Forces must keep their promise and complete their integration with Syria,” he asserted, underscoring Türkiye’s concerns about the SDF’s autonomy in northern Syria, which has been a point of contention in Turkish-Syrian relations.
Erdogan advocated for a broader regional alliance to achieve lasting peace, describing a “Turkish-Kurdish-Arab alliance” as a cornerstone for stability in the Middle East. He argued that cooperation among these groups could pave the way for a more cohesive and peaceful region, reducing the influence of external actors and addressing the root causes of conflict. “The Turkish-Kurdish-Arab alliance is key to lasting peace and tranquility in the region,” he stated, outlining a vision for collaborative governance that respects the diverse identities and aspirations of the region’s populations.
The Turkish president’s remarks come at a time when the Middle East is grappling with multiple interconnected crises, from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the ongoing civil war in Syria. Türkiye’s strategic position, both geographically and diplomatically, has positioned it as a key player in regional mediation efforts. Erdogan’s engagement with global leaders, including his recent discussions with President Trump, underscores Türkiye’s desire to influence the trajectory of peace processes in the region. By advocating for Palestinian governance in Gaza and a cooperative framework in Syria, Erdogan is positioning Türkiye as a proponent of sovereignty and self-determination while addressing security concerns that have long shaped its foreign policy.
Erdogan’s comments also reflect Türkiye’s broader geopolitical ambitions within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States, where he represented Türkiye at the recent summit in Azerbaijan. The OTS, which includes countries with shared cultural and linguistic ties, serves as a platform for Türkiye to strengthen its influence in Central Asia and beyond. Erdogan’s discussions at the summit likely touched on regional security and economic cooperation, themes that resonate with his calls for a stabilized Middle East. By linking Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts in Palestine and Syria to its broader regional strategy, Erdogan is signaling a multifaceted approach to foreign policy that balances humanitarian concerns with strategic interests.
The situation in Gaza remains a focal point of international concern, with the humanitarian crisis worsening due to ongoing violence and restricted access to aid. The attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla has drawn renewed attention to the blockade of Gaza and the challenges faced by humanitarian missions attempting to deliver relief. Erdogan’s decision to monitor the flotilla with advanced surveillance technology highlights Türkiye’s commitment to protecting such initiatives, even as it navigates complex diplomatic relations with Israel and other regional actors.
In Syria, the question of the SDF’s integration remains a contentious issue, with Türkiye viewing the group’s ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—a designated terrorist organization in Türkiye—as a significant security threat. Erdogan’s call for a Turkish-Kurdish-Arab alliance suggests a pragmatic approach to resolving these tensions, potentially through dialogue and power-sharing arrangements that integrate Kurdish forces into a broader Syrian framework. However, achieving such an alliance will require delicate negotiations, given the competing interests of local and international stakeholders in Syria’s future.
As ceasefire talks in Sharm el-Sheikh continue, the international community will be closely watching Türkiye’s role in shaping the outcomes. Erdogan’s proactive diplomacy, including his engagement with Hamas and his advocacy for a stabilization force in Gaza, positions Türkiye as a critical intermediary in the quest for peace. Similarly, his vision for a cooperative alliance in Syria reflects an ambition to bridge divides among ethnic and political groups in the region. While challenges remain, including entrenched conflicts and competing regional agendas, Erdogan’s statements signal a renewed push for diplomacy and stability in a volatile region.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s remarks on Gaza and Syria underscore Türkiye’s active role in addressing some of the Middle East’s most pressing challenges. By advocating for Palestinian governance in Gaza, supporting ceasefire negotiations, and promoting a regional alliance in Syria, Erdogan is advancing a vision of peace that aligns with Türkiye’s strategic interests and humanitarian commitments. As the situation in the region evolves, Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts will likely continue to shape the path toward resolution, with Erdogan’s leadership playing a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
