Türkiye's diplomatic efforts escalate amid Gaza crisis
ANKARA
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has intensified diplomatic efforts this weekend as he engaged in crucial discussions regarding the escalating crisis in Gaza.
Fidan embarked on a diplomatic mission, meeting his counterparts from Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia in Tehran on Oct. 23, during the South Caucasus Platform meeting.
In an opening speech, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian condemned Israel's actions in Gaza as "war crimes." He urged an immediate halt to the "genocide in Gaza" and emphasized the necessity of preventing the forced migration of Palestinians.
Following the meeting, Fidan also held talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, discussing strategies to address the crisis. Bilateral discussions were also held with Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan, respectively.
In a joint statement after the Tehran meeting, the ministers expressed their concerns over the situation in Gaza and "stressed the urgent need to cease targeting innocent civilians." The platform also decided that the next meeting would take place in Türkiye.
Later, on the same day, Fidan embarked on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
The Turkish ministry said the meetings centered on exchanging views on the situation in Gaza, alongside deepening collaboration in all fields.
Meanwhile, Türkiye's Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced that Ankara's two planes carrying vital humanitarian supplies successfully arrived at Egypt's El Arish airport.
The supplies, which include medical equipment, intensive care facilities and generators, are aimed at supporting the healthcare infrastructure in Gaza.
Additionally, plans are underway for two more planes to deliver additional medical supplies to Egypt for further distribution to the region.
Moreover, an expert team is set to conduct vital feasibility studies for the establishment of field hospitals at El Arish airport and Rafah border gate, the only way into Gaza not controlled by Israel. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive plan developed in cooperation with Egypt's Health Ministry, Koca informed earlier.
Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water and medicine since Israel sealed off the territory following the attack. A third small aid convoy entered Gaza on Oct. 23 carrying only a tiny fraction of the supplies aid groups say is necessary.
With Israel still barring the entry of fuel, the United Nations said aid distribution would soon grind to a halt when it can no longer fuel trucks inside Gaza. Hospitals overwhelmed by the wounded are struggling to keep generators running to power lifesaving medical equipment and incubators for premature babies.
The World Health Organization said seven hospitals in northern Gaza have been forced to shut down due to damage from strikes, lack of power and supplies, or Israeli evacuation orders.
The lack of fuel has also crippled water and sanitation systems. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians sheltering in U.N.-run schools and tent camps are running low on food and are drinking dirty water.
The Israeli military said the humanitarian situation was “under control,” even as the U.N. called for 100 trucks a day to enter.