ANKARA – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that significant progress is being made towards establishing a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza, which has lasted for two years. The discussions involve Turkish, Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediators who are working on an American plan aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire along with the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
During a news conference in Ankara that included Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, Fidan expressed optimism about the negotiations. "If an agreement is reached today, a ceasefire will be declared," he stated, highlighting that "a lot of progress has been achieved so far." Fidan further emphasized the willingness of all parties to focus on the release of hostages and prisoners as a positive sign during the talks.
As discussions continue, there is an overall atmosphere of hope amongst all sides regarding a potential deal to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The war has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and has resulted in the near-total destruction of Gaza. Despite the encouraging signs, there are still critical components of the peace plan that have not been finalized. These include demands for Hamas to disarm, the specifics regarding the timing and scale of an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and plans for establishing an international body to govern the region once Hamas relinquishes control.
Fidan noted that technical aspects of the agreement are currently under consideration, and he hinted at possible advancements. "If the positive views are heard today, the necessary steps will be taken for the first part of the agreement," he affirmed, hinting at the potential for progress in the negotiations.
In addition to discussions on the Gaza conflict, Fidan and al-Shibani addressed security concerns in Syria, a matter that Turkish officials take seriously. Al-Shibani criticized the Kurdish-led and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for not implementing a previously agreed plan from March to integrate them into Syria’s military framework. The SDF has faced tensions with security forces in northern Aleppo, leading to clashes that further complicate the security landscape in the region. "The SDF has taken it very slowly in making the right steps," he remarked, warning that delays in executing this agreement would hinder efforts to combat terrorism effectively.
Both ministers expressed their discontent regarding Israel's involvement in Syrian affairs, referring to it as a source of ongoing instability. Al-Shibani specifically pointed out that Israel's actions continue to threaten Syria's security. Tensions heightened between Israel and Syria, particularly following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad in December. This political upheaval led to Israeli forces taking control of the U.N.-administered buffer zone in Syria established by the 1974 agreement, including conducting airstrikes in the area. Al-Shibani reiterated Syria's call for a restoration of the 1974 borders, emphasizing the need for stability in the region.
The situation escalated further when violence erupted in July 2023 in Syria’s Sweida province, involving armed conflicts between Bedouin clans and government forces, as well as groups from the Druze minority. In light of these tensions and ongoing negotiations, the international community remains invested in the outcomes of both the ceasefire talks in Gaza and the security dynamics within Syria.
