Erdogan Praises Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Plan as Türkiye Joins Mediation Efforts
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in presenting a new peace framework aimed at ending the devastating Gaza war. Erdogan described Trump’s diplomatic initiative as a crucial step toward “halting the bloodshed” and opening the door for long-term stability in the region.
Türkiye Joins Gaza Mediation Talks in Doha
Amid growing international pressure to stop the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, Türkiye has confirmed its participation in the latest round of mediation talks. Turkish representatives will join the Gaza mediation team in Doha, Qatar, signaling Ankara’s commitment to helping shape a viable path toward peace.
The announcement came after Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan designed to address the core issues fueling the conflict. The plan has already been shared with Hamas, which, according to Qatari officials, has promised to “responsibly examine” the proposal before issuing a formal response.
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirmed that the U.S. initiative is being taken seriously by all parties involved. While he cautioned that it is “too early to speculate on the outcome,” he expressed cautious optimism, noting that Qatar remains “upbeat” because the plan is “comprehensive and well-structured.”
Qatar Confirms Security Assurances from the U.S.
Al-Ansari also addressed concerns regarding security following Israel’s airstrike on Doha earlier this month. The September 9 attack reportedly targeted senior Hamas leaders but failed in its objective. Israel later issued an apology, which Qatar has accepted.
Qatar’s acceptance of both the apology and U.S. security guarantees has helped ease tensions in the mediation process. According to al-Ansari, this assurance strengthens Doha’s position as a trusted facilitator and boosts the credibility of Washington’s peace initiative.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Worsens
The urgency of the peace talks cannot be overstated. The war in Gaza has already claimed the lives of more than 66,000 Palestinians, with thousands more still buried under the rubble of collapsed buildings. International organizations warn that the enclave faces a humanitarian disaster of unprecedented scale, with food, water, and medical supplies running critically low.
Images of widespread destruction and reports of mass civilian casualties have intensified global calls for an immediate ceasefire. World leaders and humanitarian agencies stress that without swift diplomatic action, the crisis could spiral even further out of control.
Erdogan Backs Trump’s Initiative
On Tuesday, Erdogan publicly expressed his appreciation for Trump’s personal involvement in the peace effort. “We welcome the U.S. initiative and commend President Trump’s determination to halt the bloodshed in Gaza,” Erdogan said in remarks broadcast on Turkish state media.
He emphasized that Türkiye is committed to supporting the diplomatic process, adding:
“Türkiye will remain actively engaged in mediation efforts, and we are determined to help establish a just and lasting peace acceptable to all parties.”
Erdogan’s endorsement carries weight, given Türkiye’s historical role as a regional power with ties to both Western allies and Middle Eastern states. His comments also highlight Ankara’s desire to be a central player in shaping the future of Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Global Reception to the U.S. Peace Plan
Trump’s 20-point plan has been described by several mediators as one of the most comprehensive proposals put forward since the conflict escalated. Early reactions from world leaders suggest cautious optimism, though many stress the importance of ensuring that the voices of Palestinians are fully represented in any final agreement.
While details of the plan remain confidential, officials close to the negotiations suggest it addresses critical issues such as:
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Immediate cessation of hostilities and ceasefire monitoring.
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Humanitarian corridors to deliver urgent aid to Gaza.
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Security guarantees for both Palestinians and Israelis.
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Steps toward a long-term political settlement.
Diplomats note that the plan avoids overly ambitious timelines, instead focusing on practical steps that can deliver quick relief to civilians while keeping the door open for long-term negotiations.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive diplomatic momentum, analysts warn that significant hurdles remain. Hamas’s eventual response to the plan will play a pivotal role in determining whether talks move forward. Israel’s position is also under close scrutiny, particularly given the backlash over recent airstrikes and the mounting civilian death toll.
Moreover, skepticism lingers over Washington’s ability to enforce any agreement in such a volatile environment. Previous peace initiatives in the region have often faltered due to lack of trust and the absence of concrete enforcement mechanisms.
Türkiye’s Expanding Role
For Türkiye, involvement in the Gaza peace process offers both humanitarian and strategic benefits. Erdogan has long positioned his government as a defender of Palestinian rights while maintaining ties with NATO and Western allies. By joining the mediation team in Doha, Ankara reinforces its diplomatic clout and underscores its role as a bridge between competing interests in the Middle East.
“Türkiye is not only contributing to peace but also ensuring that humanitarian needs are prioritized,” Erdogan noted, stressing that aid deliveries and reconstruction must remain at the heart of the post-war recovery strategy.
A Turning Point or Another Stalemate?
The coming weeks will determine whether Trump’s 20-point plan can shift the trajectory of the conflict. While the international community has welcomed the U.S. push, much will depend on whether Israel, Hamas, and other regional players are willing to compromise.
For now, the message from mediators remains cautiously hopeful. Qatar’s upbeat stance, Türkiye’s endorsement, and Trump’s personal involvement suggest a rare alignment of interests. Yet history reminds observers that the path to peace in Gaza has often been marked by false starts and fragile agreements.
As Erdogan put it, the world cannot afford another stalemate:
“Every day without peace means more innocent lives lost. This is why Türkiye stands ready to support every constructive step that can bring an end to this tragedy.”