Türkiye rejects initiatives targeting Syria's territorial integrity: Foreign minister

ISTANBUL

Türkiye rejects any initiatives targeting Syria's territorial integrity and emphasizes the need for international pressure on Israel to address the Gaza crisis, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday, as he addressed a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Doha.

Besides Sheikh Mohammed, Fidan also met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

At the news conference, Fidan said Türkiye does not accept any initiatives that undermine Syria's sovereignty, adding that any effort allowing the holding of weapons outside the central authority will not be accepted.

He said Türkiye desires a Syria with a Constitution and administration that provides equal opportunities to all groups in the country and that positive steps have been taken in this regard.

He said discussions have been held with Qatar and other regional countries on issues related to Syria's development, economy, and removal of sanctions.

"We are waiting for the implementation of the agreement signed between the YPG and the Syrian administration in recent months. Our sensitivity on this issue is clear," he said, urging the terrorist organization PKK to respond positively to the call, lay down its weapons, and stop obstructing the return to normalcy in the region.

Underlining that the region has been struggling with war, confusion, occupation, blood and tears for years, he stressed that a prosperous, safe, respectful and free system must be built in modern times.

'Humanitarian tragedy' in Gaza

Highlighting that the first item on the agenda of the meetings, as usual, was Gaza due to the “burden of the humanitarian tragedy," Fidan said: "While Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians, it is also killing international law and humanity's conscience. Humanitarian aid has not been sent to Gaza for nearly two months. The humanitarian tragedy is unfolding right before the eyes of the entire global public."

Fidan said that the Palestinian side has shown its readiness for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and emphasized that at this point it is essential to pressure Israel into peace. "The international community must take responsibility at this juncture. I would like to thank Qatar for its efforts in this regard," he added.

"We will continue our efforts for the peaceful, secure, and prosperous coexistence of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples based on a two-state solution. We will, God willing, continue to support Palestine's just cause with all our strength,” he said.

Türkiye’s constructive role

Fidan said Türkiye continues to hold talks with Hamas through various institutions, stressing efforts to play a constructive role to complement the work by Qatar and Egypt.

"While we are engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent the ongoing genocide and humanitarian tragedy on the international stage, we are also continuing our work on what can be done to implement a ceasefire," he said.

Fidan stressed the importance of US efforts and President Donald Trump's approach in pressuring Israel, as its expansionism poses long-term risks. He said Hamas is ready for permanent solutions, and Israel should adopt a stance that recognizes the Palestinian state.

He reminded that Türkiye and Qatar have stated this from the outset, emphasizing that if the efforts are genuine and the parties act in good faith, this could be the last crisis.

Türkiye and Qatar have shared similar approaches to regional conflicts, particularly on developments in Palestine and Syria. Both governments have called for an end to Israel’s attacks on Gaza and continue to work together through bilateral channels and multilateral groups such as the Gaza Contact Group.

Fidan last visited Qatar in early February, while Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the Gulf country's foreign minister, traveled to Türkiye earlier this month to attend a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)–Gaza Contact Group, hosted by Fidan in the southern Turkish city of Antalya.

Meeting with Hamas Shura Council

Fidan also met Muhammad Ismail Darwish, head of Hamas Shura Council and his delegation, in Doha, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Diplomatic sources said the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the latest developments in ceasefire negotiations were discussed.

The Hamas side said they continue to make efforts for a permanent ceasefire.

The humanitarian disaster caused by Israel's two-month blockade of aid to Gaza was also addressed with an emphasis on the need for an urgent solution.

Fidan said Türkiye's efforts on international platforms and at the bilateral level to establish peace in the enclave continue.