Washington: Trkiye is prepared to offer extensive support to Gaza “in every way possible,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced during his visit to the U.S. capital. Fidan made these remarks following his participation in the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting convened representatives from over 45 countries to deliberate on Gaza’s reconstruction and broader international stabilization initiatives. Fidan highlighted that the assembly, which included heads of state and government, was not only symbolically significant as its first session but also resulted in tangible commitments from participating countries.
Fidan emphasized that member states, particularly those contributing financially and potentially militarily to the International Stabilization Force, made declarations of their commitments, underscoring the meeting’s role in delivering concrete outcomes. He described it as a pivotal moment as Trump’s Gaza plan proceeds into its second phase, concentrating on reconstruction and the restoration of local governance structures.
The Turkish foreign minister stressed that rebuilding Gaza necessitates not only physical reconstruction but also the revitalization of functional local administrative bodies. He pointed out that a significant portion of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed and that local government bodies require serious renewal and capacity building in the services they provide to the population.
Fidan highlighted ongoing collaboration with the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a 15-member technocratic body led by Palestinian technocrat Ali Shaath, who possesses extensive expertise in infrastructure, planning, and public administration. Turkish President Recep Erdogan has recently engaged in discussions with Shaath regarding governance and reconstruction strategies.
Trkiye is ready to support Gaza in health, education, and other capacity-building services beyond immediate humanitarian aid, including police training and a possible military role. Fidan noted that Trkiye has consistently maintained humanitarian efforts since the beginning of the crisis, mobilizing both state and civil society organizations.
Additionally, a Turkish aid ship carrying supplies has arrived at an Egyptian port on its way to Gaza, with plans to send an initial 20,000 housing containers. Trkiye is also continuing medical evacuations and operating field hospital services through its Health Ministry.
As part of Gaza’s stabilization, efforts are underway to establish a local police force capable of providing security and public services to the more than two million residents. Fidan affirmed Trkiye’s commitment to training the police force for this purpose and expressed President Erdogan’s willingness to contribute troops to the stabilization force if agreed upon by the involved parties.
Fidan concluded that Trkiye will persist in its efforts with “a strong sense of responsibility” to aid in securing lasting peace and stability in the region.