Erdoğan at Sharm el-Sheikh: Truce on the Table, Hard Questions Ahead

Returning from Egypt after the “Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed journalists and described the gathering as a potential milestone for peace in the Middle East. Yet, he warned against overestimating the agreement’s scope, stating, “It would be wrong to see this deal as a document solving the Palestinian issue. In essence, it is a ceasefire arrangement.” Erdoğan reiterated that the only sustainable path forward lies in the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Gaza in Ruins, Türkiye in Action

Erdoğan painted a grim picture of Gaza’s destruction, saying, “Gaza has turned into a massive heap of debris. There are no houses, no hospitals, no schools left standing.” He underlined that Türkiye has sent 102,000 tons of humanitarian aid, making it one of the top contributors. Over the past few days, 350 aid trucks have entered the region, with a target of 600 daily trucks under the ceasefire agreement. Türkiye, he added, is not only delivering aid but also preparing container housing to replace temporary tents before winter sets in. “We will rebuild Gaza not just physically but morally,” Erdoğan said, emphasizing coordinated efforts by AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent, TİKA, and the Health Ministry.

A Ceasefire, Not a Solution

Reflecting on the summit’s outcomes, Erdoğan noted that the truce’s longevity depends on strict adherence and sustained U.S. influence over Israel. He stressed that while the prisoner and detainee exchanges were vital steps, the agreement alone cannot resolve the core political conflict. “The key is ensuring that Israel fulfills its commitments,” he warned, reminding that the country’s record on honoring agreements “is extremely poor.” He called on global actors, particularly the United States, to ensure the ceasefire holds and humanitarian access continues unhindered.

International Collaboration for Reconstruction

Erdoğan revealed that a four-party framework agreement—co-signed by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye—now known as the “Trump Peace Accord for Permanent Peace and Prosperity”—outlines joint commitments to protect civilians, combat extremism, and guarantee human rights for both Palestinians and Israelis. The document pledges to replace conflict with diplomacy, protect sacred sites, and promote education, opportunity, and tolerance as the foundation of peace. Erdoğan described the accord as a “shared moral contract” aimed at ending recurring cycles of war and stalled negotiations. He stressed, “We are determined to ensure that this peace is not just written on paper but built on the ground.”

Building a New Gaza

When asked about the possible role of Turkish forces (Mehmetçik) in the reconstruction mission, Erdoğan confirmed that discussions are ongoing. He said, “We are evaluating who can take part in rebuilding and revitalizing Gaza. From Gulf nations to the U.S. and Europe, all must contribute.” He added that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Intelligence Chief İbrahim Kalın are coordinating directly with counterparts in the region. Erdoğan has personally requested that containers be shipped to Gaza, saying, “These people cannot live in tents through the winter.” Türkiye, he said, is determined to stand by Gaza as “a nation of conscience.”

A Watchful Eye on Implementation

Addressing questions about monitoring and enforcement, Erdoğan declared, “President Trump will be the primary overseer of this process.” He highlighted ongoing “telephone diplomacy” with Washington to ensure compliance and prevent renewed conflict. “All nations that gathered in Egypt will act as guarantors of this peace climate,” he said, emphasizing that collective vigilance is key to preventing a relapse into violence.

The Lesson from Gaza

When asked whether this historic summit could truly restrain Israel’s aggression, Erdoğan’s response was pointed: “The Gaza experience has shown Israel that aggression leads nowhere.” He also underlined that Hamas’s resistance remains unbroken despite enormous losses, noting that nearly 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, yet “they did not surrender to occupation or barbarism.” Citing faith as a source of resilience, Erdoğan quoted, “Faith is the divine essence that strengthens the heart; a heart without faith is a burden in the chest.” He argued that military power alone cannot subdue a nation’s will and that the international community must now stand stronger with Gaza, prevent historical amnesia, and demand accountability for war crimes.

Türkiye’s Moral Position

Erdoğan reaffirmed that Türkiye will continue to act as “the conscience of humanity,” advocating for justice, humanitarian aid, and an enduring two-state peace. He stated, “Israel cannot achieve peace by occupying its neighbors. The time has come for a real solution, not another temporary truce.” As reconstruction efforts advance and diplomatic momentum builds, the Sharm el-Sheikh summit may not be the end—but it could be the beginning of a new test for international willpower and empathy.