The creation in Gaza of a “mechanism of regional ownership and guarantees” is being promoted by Ankara, as stated by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, submitting to the Planning and Budget Committee of the Turkish National Assembly, where the state budget is discussed.

“It is important that the countries of the region speak with one voice to pressure Israel to stop attacks on Gaza” he stressed, arguing that “what is even more serious is that Western countries, which have influence in Israel, remain silent in the face of the atrocities in Gaza.” The Turkish Foreign Minister warned that this situation could “open the door to other crises and lead to unpredictable alliances”.

On the removal of the American obstacles to the sale of F-16 fighter jets, the Turkish Foreign Minister emphasized that Ankara has raised its expectations at all levels that the request for the supply and modernization of the F-16 will be finalized as soon as possible without conditions and restrictions.

However, Hakan Fidan did not hesitate to express once again Turkey’s resentment against the US, because they continue to support the PKK-YPG terrorist organization in Syria, under the guise of fighting the Islamic State. “In our meetings we strongly emphasized that America’s cooperation with the PKK-YPG, the presence of FETO (Gulenists) in the US and their unilateral sanctions are incompatible with the spirit of the Alliance,” he said.

Regarding Turkey’s relations with the European Union, he emphasized that “Turkey remains committed to the goal of integration and continues to pursue constructive policies to improve cooperation and dialogue in all sectors”. He commented, however, that the European Union is sometimes far from demonstrating a strategic vision, most recently in the case of the European Commission’s Turkey 2023 report.