Ankara: In a high-stakes diplomatic exchange, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed to U.S. President Donald Trump that while Turkey supports initiatives aimed at achieving peace in the Middle East, the continuation of Israeli military actions in Gaza threatens the very possibility of a resolution. Erdogan stressed that for any peace plan to take root, Israel must immediately halt its attacks.
The phone call, initiated by the United States, comes on the heels of a landmark meeting between the two leaders at the White House in September their first in six years. During that face-to-face encounter, both Erdogan and Trump highlighted the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in defense and regional security. Erdogan described the discussions as productive, emphasizing the importance of shared strategic objectives.
During the recent conversation, Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s proactive role in regional diplomacy. He affirmed that Ankara is committed to supporting peace initiatives not only through political channels but also by leveraging its influence with regional stakeholders. Erdogan also voiced explicit support for Trump’s latest peace proposal, which seeks to establish a framework for immediate ceasefire, phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and a temporary international administration to stabilize the region.
Turkey has consistently condemned Israeli military operations in Gaza, labeling them as acts of aggression with humanitarian consequences. In recent weeks, Ankara has gone further by suspending all trade with Israel, signaling a firm stance against continued violence. Erdogan’s remarks indicate that Turkey sees U.S.-led diplomatic efforts as a viable avenue for resolving the conflict, provided Israel halts hostilities.
The Trump administration’s peace plan, encompassing 20 specific points, also includes provisions for a hostage-prisoner exchange and mechanisms to prevent renewed violence. Neighboring countries, notably Egypt and Qatar, are actively engaging with Hamas to secure their cooperation, highlighting disarmament as a key prerequisite to prevent further escalation.
As the international community closely monitors these developments, hopes remain that sustained diplomatic engagement, backed by decisive regional support, can pave the way for a durable resolution in Gaza. Erdogan’s intervention underscores the growing role of regional powers in shaping outcomes in one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.