On Tuesday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated his nation’s steadfast position that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be attained through a two-state solution, emphasizing that Israel and Palestine must coexist within recognized, secure borders.
Fidan addressed a press conference in Ankara following meetings with European and Arab diplomats and highlighted their failure to facilitate an equitable political solution as the root cause of Gaza’s ongoing conflict and instability across the region.
“The only sustainable path towards real and lasting peace lies in establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Fidan stated. Without such an independent Palestinian state established on these borders and East Jerusalem serving as its capital, violence and human suffering will never cease.
Fidan’s comments come amid a renewed surge in violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have resulted in heavy civilian casualties. Turkiye has strongly denounced Israel’s military actions and requested an immediate ceasefire as well as encouraging Hamas to prioritize diplomatic over armed conflict.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned that temporary ceasefires or humanitarian pauses, while necessary in terms of saving lives, cannot replace an effective political resolution of the conflict. He called upon United Nations, European Union and major global powers to revitalize stalled Middle East peace processes as soon as possible.
Turkiye has long been an outspoken supporter of Palestinian statehood and has regularly highlighted what it considers double standards by international bodies when dealing with Israeli policies in the occupied territories. Fidan stated that Ankara will support any credible international initiative designed to realize two state solutions.
Fidan also noted in his speech that Turkiye is working closely with regional partners like Qatar, Egypt and Jordan to push for diplomatic solutions and deliver urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza. Additionally, Turkiye plans to present soon a multilateral platform designed to facilitate negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians that includes regional stakeholders as well as international guarantors.
“The alternative to a two-state solution is endless conflict, extremism and instability not just for the Middle East but for all of humanity,” Fidan warned. “Now is not the time for symbolic gestures – instead we require tangible steps from courageous leadership.
As Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens, Turkiye’s call for renewed efforts towards a two-state solution underscores growing international acknowledgement that without addressing its political foundations, bloodshed may continue to ensue.