(MENAFN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday described the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit agreement as a “historic signature,” highlighting its significance for Gaza, the wider Middle East, and Türkiye’s global diplomatic leadership.

Fidan warned that any collapse of the ceasefire would not spark a conventional war but could lead to “renewed genocide,” emphasizing that Israeli operations in Gaza no longer resemble traditional warfare. “This is not a traditional conflict where both sides fight on equal footing.

What continues in Gaza is systematic extermination,” he said.

The minister stressed that without a lasting political settlement, future violence is inevitable. “If there is no permanent two-state solution, we may stop this war now, but another one will erupt in a few years. As long as occupation and oppression persist, resistance will continue,” he said.

Fidan said Türkiye aims to halt mass killings in Gaza, alleviate civilian suffering, and prevent large-scale displacement. He emphasized that the ceasefire must facilitate humanitarian aid and a transfer of administrative responsibility to a Palestinian authority.

The minister estimated the Palestinian death toll in Gaza could exceed 70,000, citing the difficulty of obtaining accurate data amid widespread destruction. He criticized Western countries for turning a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis, saying, “Those who once claimed moral superiority are now turning a blind eye to barbarity.”

Türkiye is prepared to lead Gaza’s reconstruction once stability is ensured, mobilizing companies, institutions, and funding mechanisms. Fidan also called for Israel to be held accountable and provide compensation for damages.

Fidan said the war has shattered long-standing narratives about Israel and exposed contradictions in Western policy. He highlighted Türkiye’s active diplomacy, including a meeting in New York between President Erdogan, Muslim leaders, and US President Donald Trump, which helped shift Washington toward a mediating role.

On regional dialogue, Fidan praised the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara, describing such engagement as “necessary and mature.”

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