ISTANBUL: Turkey has expressed optimism regarding the recent agreement between Israel and Hamas, which aims to halt hostilities, release hostages, and provide a temporary pause in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Turkey, a vocal critic of the high civilian casualties resulting from Israel’s military operations since October 7 in Gaza, sees the deal as a positive step toward easing the bloodshed.
The Turkish foreign ministry, in a statement on Wednesday, acknowledged the agreement brokered with the assistance of Qatar and Egypt. Describing it as a “positive development in terms of easing the bloodshed to some extent,” the ministry expressed the hope that the humanitarian pause would contribute to bringing a complete end to the conflict.
Turkey Hopes Deal Will Completely End Conflict
“We hope that this humanitarian pause will help to completely end the conflict as soon as possible and initiate a process towards a just and lasting peace on the basis of a two-state solution,” the ministry stated. Emphasizing the importance of full compliance with the agreement, Turkey urged that it should lead to an increase in the amount of humanitarian aid allowed to enter Gaza.
The deal, a breakthrough in what has been described as the bloodiest Gaza war, involves the release of 50 hostages. Israel, in response to the October 7 attacks, has vowed to destroy Hamas, leading to a significant civilian death toll.
Press Release Regarding the Declaration of Humanitarian Pause in Gaza https://t.co/gxXwkgbcQQ pic.twitter.com/4sdfZlabC9
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) November 22, 2023
