Fidan: Hamas expresses readiness to take constructive steps for a permanent ceasefire.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Hamas has shown a willingness to take "constructive steps" to make the ceasefire in Gaza permanent, while calling on the Israeli occupation to "lift all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid and open all crossings immediately."

Fidan's statements came during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel Atti, following a meeting of the joint planning group between Egypt and Turkey held in Ankara.

Fidan said: "Hamas shows a genuine will to make the truce permanent, and we must see the same understanding from the Israeli side. We reiterate our call to Israel to remove all obstacles to the entry of aid and open all humanitarian crossings."

The Turkish minister added that his country thanks Egypt for its "ongoing efforts to deliver aid to Gaza," noting that "a Turkish ship carrying about 810 tons of humanitarian aid set sail on Wednesday from Mersin port towards Al-Arish port."

He confirmed that Turkey will mobilize all its resources to establish temporary shelter areas in Gaza and contribute to its reconstruction, adding that Ankara will participate in the international conference for the reconstruction of the sector scheduled to be held in Cairo in the coming days.

Fidan addressed the ongoing efforts in the Security Council to issue a new resolution organizing the administrative and security arrangements in Gaza, explaining: "There is a need to clarify the field tasks of the international stabilization force and to define the legal and political framework for the Palestinian committee and the peace council that are supposed to manage the sector."

He pointed out that consultations with Egypt and the concerned countries are ongoing intensively in this regard, emphasizing that "the basis in Palestine is for the Palestinians to manage their own affairs themselves."

He added: "Gaza is part of Palestine, and it must remain so and be treated on this basis. When adhering to this understanding, solutions can be found for all contentious issues."

Fidan praised the significant development in relations between Ankara and Cairo, noting that the joint planning group meeting discussed "enhancing cooperation in the fields of defense, energy, transportation, communication, and investment."

He clarified that the volume of bilateral trade increased by 11% in 2024, approaching $9 billion, adding: "We aim to raise it to $15 billion, as Turkish companies contribute to expanding production capacity and creating job opportunities in Egypt."

Fidan noted that military and security cooperation between the two countries "is witnessing significant progress," and that "joint projects in defense industries" are being prepared.

He stated that Ankara and Cairo agree on the necessity of achieving stability in Libya and rejecting any foreign interventions in its affairs, affirming continued support for the UN-led process.

Regarding Sudan, the Turkish minister emphasized "the necessity of stopping the fighting immediately and halting attacks against civilians, delivering aid without obstacles, while preserving the unity and sovereignty of the country."

As for Syria, Fidan said that "President Ahmad al-Shara's visit to Washington represents an important development," adding: "Syria's joining the international coalition to fight ISIS is a positive step, and Turkey will continue to support the vision of a unified and secure state free from terrorism."

For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atti confirmed that Cairo and Ankara "agree on the necessity of enhancing and implementing the ceasefire in Gaza," stressing that the decision regarding the establishment of an international force in the sector must be carefully crafted to ensure the future rights of the Palestinians.

Abdel Atti stated that his country, along with Turkey, Qatar, and the United States, "will continue its efforts to make the truce permanent," adding that "its success will prevent a return to the cycle of tension."

He noted that Egypt will host an international conference for the reconstruction of Gaza, emphasizing the importance of supporting Palestinians to remain in their lands and achieving political progress that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

On the Syrian issue, the Egyptian minister said: "We must support Syria to regain its regional and international role," pointing to the need to formulate a comprehensive policy that considers the aspirations of the Syrian people.

He also emphasized the necessity of ending the division in Libya, removing mercenaries and foreign fighters, and calling for a comprehensive political solution that ensures the unity of the country.

In conclusion, Abdel Atti said: "Our discussions today have proven the extent of the convergence in positions between Egypt and Turkey, and we are determined to continue coordination for the benefit of the region and its stability."