Meeting in Istanbul to Discuss Upcoming Phase in Gaza

SadaNews - Islamic foreign ministers are meeting in the Turkish city of Istanbul today, Monday, in a gathering dedicated to discussing the next phase in the Gaza Strip, following the ceasefire agreement reached based on a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Seven countries are participating in Monday's meeting: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Pakistan, and Indonesia.

Leaders of these countries previously met with Trump in late September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Trump's plan regarding Gaza was announced.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated last week that the Istanbul meeting aims to "assess our progress and discuss what we can achieve together in the upcoming phase," considering that "a peace plan is beginning to take shape, offering a glimmer of hope for everyone."

Fidan emphasized that the discussions would address questions such as "What are the obstacles to its implementation? What challenges must be overcome? What are the next steps? What will we discuss with our Western friends? And what forms of support are available for ongoing talks with the United States?"

During a forum in Istanbul, he stated, "We must put an end to the massacre in Gaza. A ceasefire alone is not enough," reiterating the need for a two-state solution.

According to sources in the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Fidan will Monday call for "establishing mechanisms that enable Palestinians to ensure security and governance in Gaza."

Turkey has played a key role in mediating the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Prior to today's meeting, the Turkish foreign minister held talks in Istanbul on Saturday with members of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to discuss the ceasefire agreement.

Since October 10th, a ceasefire has been in effect in the region according to the U.S. President's plan, although it has been marred by repeated violations by Israel.

In a later phase, Trump's 20-point plan stipulates the formation of a "temporary international stabilization force to be deployed immediately" in Gaza, to provide training and support for approved Palestinian police forces.

This force is expected to be deployed to ensure stability in the area alongside the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army, and to primarily consist of troops from Arab and Muslim countries.