Turkish president warns return to genocide in Gaza would have 'heavy cost'

ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Friday that any return to “an environment of genocide” in Gaza would have “a very heavy cost,” as he welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

A ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas early Thursday in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, based on a 20-point plan presented by US President Donald Trump. The first phase of the plan includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, Israel’s withdrawal to an agreed line in Gaza, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, along with international support for reconstruction.

Speaking at a ceremony inaugurating new facilities and projects in the Black Sea province of Rize, Erdogan said Türkiye has done — and will continue to do — everything possible to help restore peace, security, and stability to Gaza “as soon as possible.”

Referring to the ceasefire deal, Erdogan stressed that “what matters most now is ensuring that the agreement is implemented to the letter,” adding that Ankara would actively contribute to the process.

“Our region, and Gaza in particular, has endured enough bloodshed, massacres, and tears,” he said. “Peace must be given a chance, and all acts of sabotage must be avoided.”

Erdogan described the agreement as a “major step” toward lasting peace despite the challenges ahead. “The door to a permanent peace in Gaza has been opened,” he said. “We say — no more bloodshed.”

US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff announced today that the 72-hour period for Hamas to release Israeli captives in Gaza has begun, following the ceasefire agreement.

CENTCOM confirmed that the Israeli army completed the first-phase withdrawal to the yellow line. Under the deal, Hamas is required to release 20 hostages and return 28 bodies, while Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees arrested since Oct. 7, 2023.