ISTANBUL/ANKARA

The Turkish vice president, Foreign Ministry, and other officials announced on Thursday that it welcomes the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza, saying they hope it will bring an end to the genocide of the last two years.

Saying it expects the ceasefire agreement to be implemented in full, the ministry said: “With the ceasefire in place, it is imperative that humanitarian aid be delivered to Gaza – where a humanitarian catastrophe has been unfolding – and that efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza be launched without delay. Türkiye will continue to provide substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza in the period ahead.”

Indicating that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian question, the statement expressed the ministry’s hope “that the momentum achieved in the ceasefire negotiations will also contribute to the realization of a two-state solution in the coming period.”

“We commend the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the US in mediating the ceasefire negotiations. Türkiye reaffirms its commitment to actively contribute and extend its support throughout the implementation phases of the ceasefire agreement,” the statement said.

Turkish vice president hails deal

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz also welcomed the ceasefire deal in a statement he shared on Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

“Although long overdue, we welcome with great satisfaction the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this outcome, particularly to our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan," he said. "Türkiye will continue to stand by the Palestinian people, as it has always done.”

“With the prevention of further bloodshed of innocent Palestinians, the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts, Gaza will enter a new era,” he said.

Türkiye will closely monitor implementation of the deal and continue to support the process, Yilmaz also said.

“Ultimately, the complete end of the occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, will ensure permanent security, peace, and stability for all,” he added.

‘Efforts of all mediating actors commendable’

Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran also welcomed how the negotiations between Israel and Hamas resulted in an agreement.

“The efforts of all mediating actors, especially our country, who played a role in reaching the first phase of the agreement are commendable,” he said on NSosyal.

Duran said that, following the agreement, it is essential that both parties adhere to the terms, ensure the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and put an end to the disgraceful humanitarian situation that has persisted there for the past two years.

“It must never be forgotten that the fundamental condition for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region is a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders,” he added.

Also welcoming the ceasefire, Türkiye’s Justice and Development (AK) Party spokesperson Omer Celik said on NSosyal: “We will continue our struggle until an independent, sovereign and geographically integrated Palestinian state is established in Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

US President Donald Trump announced late Monday that Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas had signed off on the first phase of a US-proposed Gaza deal.

The 20-point plan, first announced on Sept. 29, includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the rebuilding of Gaza.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 67,000 Palestinians in the enclave, most of them women and children.

The relentless bombardment has left Gaza largely uninhabitable, leading to widespread starvation and disease.