ISTANBUL, October 5, 2025 – In a powerful address on Turkish broadcaster TRT News, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla as “a rare and noble action” aimed at raising international awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Fidan called on the global community to rally behind the initiative, emphasizing its role in highlighting what he described as the “genocide” against Palestinians under Israel’s blockade. The flotilla, comprising dozens of vessels from over 50 countries, aimed to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s long-standing siege of the Gaza Strip, home to approximately 2.4 million Palestinians. Fidan’s remarks underscored Türkiye’s proactive stance in supporting the Palestinian cause while addressing broader regional security concerns, including Syria, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Türkiye’s evolving relationship with the United States.
The Global Sumud Flotilla: A Symbol of Solidarity
The Global Sumud Flotilla represents a landmark effort to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007. The blockade, enforced by Israel to restrict the movement of goods and people, has been widely criticized for exacerbating poverty, unemployment, and a humanitarian crisis in the densely populated enclave. The flotilla, named “Sumud” (Arabic for “steadfastness”), was a coordinated effort involving activists, humanitarian organizations, and international supporters who sought to deliver essential supplies such as food, medical equipment, and other aid to Gaza’s residents.
Fidan praised the flotilla’s participants for their courage and commitment, noting that their actions were not only humanitarian but also a strategic move to keep the Palestinian issue at the forefront of global consciousness. “This is a noble action,” Fidan said. “Creating international awareness to prevent the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to support the Palestinian cause is currently our greatest weapon. Frankly, this is what we are doing in international diplomacy.”
The flotilla’s journey was historic, marking the first time in nearly two decades that such a large, coordinated fleet attempted to breach the blockade. The effort involved vessels from diverse nations, including European countries, the United States, Canada, and several Arab states, symbolizing a global call for justice. However, the mission faced significant challenges, as Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla late on Wednesday, detaining over 470 activists from more than 50 countries. The seizure of the vessels sparked international outcry, with Türkiye taking a leading role in advocating for the release of the detained activists.
Türkiye’s Diplomatic Response to the Flotilla Incident
Following the interception of the flotilla, Türkiye swiftly mobilized its diplomatic resources to secure the release of the detained activists, including Turkish nationals and others from allied countries. Fidan detailed the government’s efforts, which involved coordination through the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and direct communication with Israeli authorities. “After these noble activists were detained, we needed to take an operational step as soon as possible to end their captivity,” Fidan explained.
Türkiye established a coordination mechanism with several countries to issue a unified statement on September 16, signed by 17 nations, condemning the detention and calling for international pressure on Israel. The Turkish Navy played a critical role in ensuring navigational safety for the flotilla before its interception, coordinating with aerial surveillance and naval forces from Spain and Italy. Fidan emphasized that Türkiye’s message was clear: the flotilla participants were not alone, and their safety was a priority.
Through behind-the-scenes negotiations, Türkiye secured the release of Turkish nationals and some foreign activists by Saturday, following requests from their respective governments. However, Fidan noted that some activists remained in Israeli custody and would face procedural trials. He expressed optimism that these individuals would be released within days, urging other nations to lend their full support to the flotilla’s mission and to pressure Israel for the activists’ release.
The Palestinian Issue: A Historic Turning Point
Fidan’s remarks extended beyond the flotilla to address the broader Palestinian issue, which he described as a priority for the Turkish government. He highlighted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s deep commitment to the cause, noting that Erdogan has consistently raised the issue on international platforms. “The Turkish government takes the Palestinian issue seriously and follows it with great diligence,” Fidan said. “President Erdogan’s sensitivity to the matter is at the highest level.”
Fidan pointed to a recent joint summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, where Türkiye joined six other countries to form a contact group aimed at mobilizing collective action on Palestine. This group met with U.S. President Donald Trump in New York, where they delivered a clear message: “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must be stopped.”
Fidan described Trump’s declaration that he would not allow the annexation of the West Bank as a “historic turning point” in U.S.-Palestinian-Israeli relations. The statement, made in the context of ongoing tensions over Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, signaled a shift in U.S. policy and sent a message to the Islamic world and the international community. However, Fidan cautioned that Netanyahu could attempt to “sabotage” Trump’s peace initiatives, emphasizing the need for sustained U.S. commitment to the cause. “There is always a possibility that Netanyahu will sabotage Trump’s plan, and we believe the intention is present,” Fidan warned.
To counter this risk, Türkiye has focused its diplomatic efforts on ensuring that the United States remains steadfast in its approach. Fidan stressed the importance of regional and global leaders, including Erdogan, engaging with Trump to maintain pressure for a resolution that prioritizes peace and justice. He also praised Hamas’ response to Trump’s ceasefire proposal, describing it as “commendable” for its conciliatory tone. Unlike a outright rejection, Hamas’ stance respected the mediator’s efforts while clearly outlining the Palestinian people’s non-negotiable demands.
Fidan underscored the need for continuous, serious, and professional efforts to keep the Palestinian issue on the international agenda. He revealed that much of Türkiye’s diplomatic work, led by Erdogan, involves confidential coordination with other leaders and organizations. “We hope to push it further,” Fidan said, expressing optimism about future progress.
A Call for Regional Stability
Fidan’s address also touched on the broader regional dynamics contributing to instability in the Middle East. He argued that the root cause of long-standing conflicts, including external interventions and terrorism, lies in the inability of regional countries to cooperate effectively. Mistrust among nations has created vulnerabilities that external actors exploit, often leaving the region worse off.
To address this, Fidan proposed the creation of a “regional stability pact” to foster trust and cooperation among Middle Eastern countries. “We need a regional stability pact, platform, agreement, or convention,” he said. “Its primary purpose is not deterrence; its secondary purpose is deterrence. Its main goal is to establish absolute trust among the countries in the region.”
Such a pact would aim to prevent external interventions and terrorist exploitation of regional divisions. Fidan pointed to Israel’s aggressive posture toward multiple countries as a destabilizing factor, noting that even Israel’s traditional allies are increasingly reluctant to support its actions unconditionally. He cited recent security agreements signed between some countries in response to Israeli attacks, signaling a shift in regional alignments.
Türkiye-U.S. Relations: A Historic Moment
Fidan described President Erdogan’s recent visit to Washington as a “historic moment” in Türkiye-U.S. relations. The visit, which took place amid challenging global conditions, showcased the ability of Erdogan and Trump to rise above bilateral issues and focus on a broader strategic vision. “The two leaders reshaped their relationship beyond themselves, extending between their countries in a rare occurrence,” Fidan said. “In the end, there was unanimous agreement that the visit was a complete success.”
A key outcome of the visit was Trump’s call to Erdogan requesting his assistance in brokering a ceasefire with Hamas. Fidan noted that Hamas responded positively to Trump’s proposal shortly after the call, highlighting the “strong will” between Turkish and U.S. leaders to address the Palestinian issue. This collaboration underscored Türkiye’s growing influence as a mediator in regional conflicts.
Lifting Sanctions on Türkiye’s Defense Industry
Fidan also addressed the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Türkiye’s defense industry, a significant development in bilateral relations. He dismissed disinformation campaigns surrounding Türkiye’s national combat aircraft, KAAN, emphasizing the country’s advancements in defense technology. “Türkiye’s national security issue far exceeds disinformation campaigns,” Fidan said, noting that thousands of engineers have worked tirelessly to increase the localization rate of defense production from 20% to 80%.
He revealed that defense products developed by Türkiye have been used by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for years, with data shared with engineers and companies. Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s two-year effort to lift restrictions and sanctions imposed by several countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium. While some progress has been made, particularly with Germany, certain U.S. restrictions remain in place.
Fidan emphasized his “duty” to advocate for the removal of these sanctions, warning that if reasonable explanations are not provided, Türkiye would seek alternative sources to meet its national security needs. “The other party needs to understand that,” he added.
Syria: A Critical Security Concern
Turning to Syria, Fidan described the country’s upcoming People’s Assembly election as a significant step toward institutionalizing a new system following the government’s declaration of a new life for the nation. The elections, set to form a parliament with a four-year term, are seen as a move toward stabilizing Syria after years of conflict.
Fidan stressed that threats to Syria’s territorial integrity, such as the activities of the YPG (linked to the PKK, known locally as the SDF), must be addressed. He called for the YPG to clarify its intentions and reach an agreement with Damascus to prevent division. Additionally, he highlighted the need to resolve the Druze issue in southern Syria in a way that preserves national unity.
Israel’s potential to destabilize Syria further was a key concern for Fidan. “Our border with Syria and everything beyond it is directly linked to our national security,” he said, emphasizing Türkiye’s opposition to any initiatives that could lead to Syria’s fragmentation. He called for regional cooperation, particularly with Saudi Arabia, to support Syria’s recovery and stability.
Fidan also advocated for the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria and additional steps by the European Union to remove financial and investment barriers. Such measures, he argued, would facilitate refugee returns and economic recovery, creating a more secure environment. He noted the historic significance of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressing the UN General Assembly for the first time in over 50 years, signaling Syria’s re-emergence on the global stage.
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A Path to Resolution?
Fidan addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, noting that Türkiye has maintained parallel talks with both Moscow and Kyiv. Recent discussions in Alaska clarified Russia’s ceasefire conditions, which Trump relayed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. However, Fidan observed that both sides have escalated the conflict, with increased military readiness and little willingness to compromise.
The core issue, according to Fidan, lies in the Donetsk region, where Russia seeks to capture the remaining 25% to 30% of territory it does not control, arguing that this would prevent further losses. Ukraine, however, refuses to cede the territory, fearing it would lead to further losses. Fidan called for reconciliation of these military arguments, noting that both sides have unacceptable demands. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that a formula for resolution is emerging, with the parties “very close” to an agreement.
Europe’s Security Challenges
Fidan highlighted the unprecedented security threat facing Europe, citing NATO and allied reports of Russian airspace violations. European countries have publicly acknowledged these breaches to justify increased defense spending, while Russia has denied the claims. This has led to a heightened state of alert and a focus on boosting military capabilities across the continent.
Fidan noted that European countries, long reliant on U.S. security guarantees, have shifted budgets toward infrastructure and welfare. However, U.S. demands for new security rules and cost-sharing have forced budget reallocations. He contrasted this with Türkiye’s foreign policy, which has evolved since 2002 toward a more independent and national approach, moving away from its Cold War-era alignment with the West.
Conclusion: Türkiye’s Role in a Turbulent World
Fidan’s address underscored Türkiye’s multifaceted role in addressing regional and global challenges, from advocating for the Palestinian cause to mediating in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and supporting Syria’s stabilization. His call for a regional stability pact reflects Türkiye’s vision for a cooperative Middle East, free from external interventions and internal mistrust. The success of Erdogan’s visit to Washington and the lifting of some defense sanctions signal a strengthening of Türkiye-U.S. ties, while challenges remain in navigating Israel’s actions and ensuring Syria’s unity.
As the Global Sumud Flotilla continues to draw attention to Gaza’s plight, Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts, led by Fidan and Erdogan, position the country as a key player in promoting peace, justice, and stability in a region fraught with conflict. With ongoing challenges in Syria, Ukraine, and Palestine, Türkiye’s proactive stance and strategic vision will likely shape the geopolitical landscape for years to come.
