Paris: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed that the reconstruction and administration of the Gaza Strip must be in Palestinian hands, and that the security forces must be “entirely Palestinian.”
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan made these remarks during a press statement following his participation in a ministerial meeting in Paris concerning the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. He asserted, “Whatever solution we reach after the ceasefire, the Palestinians must assume the management of the reconstruction and administration of Gaza, and the security forces must be Palestinian. There should be no hesitation in this regard.”
Fidan elaborated on the discussions held in Paris, noting, “We discussed in great detail the results of yesterday’s agreement and how to implement it, specifically the role that the Europeans and the rest of the international community can play in reviving Gaza’s economy, reconstruction, and administration.” He highlighted the importance of a two-state solution in resolving the ongoing conflict.
He emphasized Turkey’s position that if Gaza’s reconstruction mirrors its pre-October 7, 2023, conditions, future conflicts are inevitable. “Before October 7, Gaza was an open-air prison,” Fidan remarked, pointing to the lack of free trade and economic opportunities due to Israeli restrictions.
Fidan also discussed the task force, comprising the United States, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, which will oversee the ceasefire’s implementation. “This team will play a facilitating role and will discuss issues with both the Palestinian and Israeli sides,” he stated, acknowledging that challenges will arise as the agreement is enacted.
He described the recent ceasefire agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh as a “glimmer of hope” to halt the ongoing violence in Gaza, and acknowledged Turkey’s international efforts to stop the conflict. He outlined four primary goals in the agreement’s first phase: consolidating the ceasefire, releasing hostages and detainees, resuming humanitarian aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to specific lines.
Fidan concluded by stating that Turkey will actively participate in these efforts, in line with the agreement’s stipulations.