Turkish foreign minister raises concerns over Netanyahu’s potential actions after prisoners' release

ISTANBUL

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Tuesday expressed concerns over the potential actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government following the release of Israeli prisoners.

“On Sunday, I had a meeting in Doha with members of the Political Bureau of Hamas. The Hamas side has no hesitation in fulfilling the terms of the ceasefire agreement. However, there are questions around the world about how the Netanyahu government will behave after the release of Israeli prisoners,” Fidan said at a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in Ankara.

Fidan urged the international community to take a unified stance in preventing Netanyahu from restarting what he described as "genocide" for political gain.

The minister also voiced strong opposition to any efforts to expel Palestinians from their homeland, referring to US President Trump's proposal. “As I stated before, this idea is also contrary to international law and the conscience of humanity.”

He warned that such a move would not achieve any positive outcome but would instead lead to further conflict, destabilizing the region and negatively impacting the internal peace of neighboring countries.

"I would like to once again announce to the world that the ideas put forward regarding sending Palestinians into exile in Egypt and Jordan are futile, and that we will oppose this issue until the end, and that we are in solidarity with Egypt on this matter.”

Addressing regional issues

Fidan also stressed the importance of addressing regional issues, warning against external powers.

"We must accept that seeking imported solutions to local issues has not brought peace to our region," he said. "On the contrary, the steps taken by foreign powers to serve their own interests have brought us war, instability, and poverty."

He emphasized the need for Ankara and Cairo under the leadership of their presidents, to take on a significant responsibility in dealing with regional issues. He further noted that both countries are committed to closer consultation and cooperation, particularly on the situation in Palestine.

"We owe our Egyptian brothers gratitude for their efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza," the minister said, adding that it is now crucial for the international community to mobilize to ensure the ceasefire becomes permanent.

Fidan also said 15 Palestinian prisoners, who were released from Israeli prison under the Gaza ceasefire agreement and granted visas by the Turkish Embassy in Cairo, reached Türkiye.

Syria agenda

Fidan said: Türkiye values cooperation with Egypt on the Syrian issue, noting that he and his counterpart discussed Syria’s security, economic conditions, and humanitarian situation.

“Syria’s transformation into a stable and peaceful country will benefit all of us at the regional level,” Fidan said, stressing the need to support Syria’s new administration to ensure an inclusive transition based on the rule of law.

He underscored that stability in Syria depends on eliminating terrorism. “The terrorist organizations Daesh (ISIS) and PKK/YPG (terror group) remain the two main threats to Syria. A historic opportunity has emerged for Syria to become a normal country,” he said.

“We believe Syria’s neighboring countries can work together against Daesh (ISIS). Our efforts in this direction continue, and we will also support the Syrian administration’s capacity to combat terrorism,” he said.

Ensuring peace, stability in Africa

The top Turkish diplomat said Türkiye and Egypt share a common stance on preserving Libya’s unity and territorial integrity, adding that both countries are maintaining dialogue to achieve lasting stability in the fourth-largest African country.

Expressing hope for an end to the 21-month conflict in Sudan, which has caused widespread devastation, Fidan said: “We must do everything possible to ensure our Sudanese brothers and sisters do not enter the holy month of Ramadan in a conflict-ridden environment.”

He noted that Türkiye is working toward a diplomatic solution in Sudan and hopes to collaborate with Egypt in these efforts.

Fidan also reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. “In this context, we launched the Ankara Process, based on the trust placed in us by both Somalia and Ethiopia. We also appreciate Egypt’s moral support in this process,” he said.

Calling cooperation between Türkiye and Egypt a “necessity,” Fidan stressed that their partnership would enhance peace and prosperity for both nations and the wider region.