The foreign ministers of Türkiye and Egypt are set to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and international efforts to rebuild the Strip once the conflict concludes during talks in Ankara on Wednesday, according to a Turkish foreign ministry source.
Türkiye, a NATO member, has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel's two-year assault on Gaza, which it has described as genocide, a claim Israel denies. Along with Egypt and Qatar, Türkiye has played a key role in mediating the fragile ceasefire and has committed to monitoring its strict implementation.
The source revealed that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will host his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, for discussions on potential next steps in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Fidan is expected to "emphasise that, despite Israel's violations, the Palestinian side is adhering to the ceasefire conditions and managing the process positively," the source added. He will also stress the importance of international support for rebuilding Gaza and reiterate Türkiye's offer to assist in these efforts.
Israel and Hamas have each accused the other of violating the October ceasefire, with Israel claiming Hamas is stalling over the return of hostages' remains and Hamas accusing Israel of blocking aid deliveries.
At the urging of the U.S., Türkiye has repeatedly expressed a desire to join task forces to monitor the ceasefire’s implementation, including participating in an international stabilisation force, for which a United Nations Security Council resolution is being pursued.
However, Israel has opposed Turkish involvement, stating that no Turkish forces would be present in Gaza.
The ministers will also hold the first meeting of the Türkiye-Egypt Joint Planning Group, according to the source. This meeting will bring together officials to prepare for high-level talks scheduled to take place in Cairo next year, in accordance with an agreement signed last year.
Ankara has consistently praised Egypt for its efforts in facilitating humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza. Türkiye has sent thousands of tonnes of aid and has offered to assist Hamas in locating the bodies of Israeli hostages, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement.
Earlier this month, ministers from seven Muslim countries met in Istanbul to discuss the situation in Gaza, although Egypt did not attend the meeting.
Fidan also held talks with U.S. officials in Washington on Monday regarding Syria and Gaza, following which he mentioned that discussions had covered possible next steps in the ceasefire agreement.
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