NATO member Turkey, one of the most vocal critics of Israel's attacks on Gaza, has joined the ceasefire negotiations as a mediator after largely indirect involvement. Its increased role followed a meeting last month between Erdogan and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
"As Turkey, we are doing our utmost for the ceasefire to be secured. The Hamas side is abiding by the ceasefire. In fact, it is openly stating its commitment to this. Israel, meanwhile, is continuing to violate the ceasefire," Erdogan told reporters on his return flight from a regional Gulf tour.
"The international community, namely the United States, must do more to ensure Israel's full compliance to the ceasefire and agreement," he said, according to a transcript of his comments shared by his office on Friday. "Israel must be forced to keep its promises via sanctions, halting of arms sales." Ankara has said that it would join a "task force" to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire, that its armed forces could serve in a military or civilian capacity as needed, and that it would play an active role in the reconstruction of the enclave. (Read More)
