Ground operation in Gaza could turn brutality into 'massacre': Turkish foreign minister

ISTANBUL

Israel's ground operation into the Gaza Strip could escalate the situation there from brutality into a “massacre,” the Turkish foreign minister warned on Wednesday.

Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign on Gaza following a surprise attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, putting the enclave’s residents under total siege, with a blockade of food, fuel and medical supplies. The military is said to be mobilizing for an expected ground invasion.

Speaking at a press conference in Doha alongside his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Hakan Fidan said indiscriminate targeting of Palestinians is a crime against humanity.

As the deaths mount in Gaza, the backlash in the region will naturally grow, Fidan said, adding: "It is impossible to predict consequences in advance."

Anyone with a conscience should put an end to this brutality taking place in front of the whole world, he said.

"We will not accept the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes. This will not only be an injustice to the Palestinians but will also lead to the destabilization of Egypt, Jordan, and Beirut."

Fidan said Türkiye does not accept in any way the attacks that target innocent civilians in Gaza and turn into a "collective punishment."

Israel must urgently correct this mistake, he said, adding: "Measures to stop the war in Gaza and attacks on civilians are urgently needed. An immediate cease-fire should be declared, and a corridor should be established for humanitarian aid."

Pointing out that there is greater destruction and death in Gaza this time compared to past blockades, Fidan said cutting electricity and water, and preventing essential humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza are leading to a bigger catastrophe.

-'Greater war or greater peace'

Fidan said Türkiye is working with all its might to put an end to the conflict.

"Our President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan) is engaged in an intensive diplomatic effort with regional and world leaders to stop the flow of tears and the war in the region."

Stressing that the region is at a significant turning point, Fidan said the current situation could lead to either "greater war or greater peace."

"Those who encourage the crimes committed by Israel under the pretext of solidarity are complicit in this wrongdoing," Fidan said.

Qatar's 'constructive, selfless role'

The Turkish foreign minister said Israel must realize it cannot meet its long-term security needs through weapons, violence, and oppression.

"As we have consistently said, the only solution is the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with geographical integrity based on the 1967 borders, with its capital in East Jerusalem."

Reminding Türkiye's proposal of a guarantor system to end the conflict, Fidan said: "In this initiative, we wish to see active involvement from Muslim countries in the region, including Türkiye."

Türkiye attaches great importance to the role and responsibility that Qatar has taken on the Palestinian issue, he said.

"Qatar has played a very constructive and selfless role in the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the efforts of our Qatari brothers in the release of hostages in recent times are commendable."

Immediate halt to ongoing operation in Gaza

The top Turkish diplomat called out the support of European and North American countries for Israel's military operations, and their failure to condemn the destruction in Gaza.

He called for an immediate halt to the ongoing operation in the besieged Palestinian enclave, the opening of humanitarian aid channels, and the implementation of a two-state solution.