Turkey Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Peace Plan Amid Regional Tensions

Turkey's Foreign Ministry has accused the Israeli government of sabotaging a peace agreement in the Gaza Strip, claiming that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's sole aim is to displace Palestinians and prevent the establishment of peace and stability in the region. The Turkish statement criticized Netanyahu for taking actions that destabilize the fragile balance in the Middle East and disrupt US-led mediation efforts. It called on the international community to adopt a firmer stance against what it described as Israel's expansionist and militaristic policies.

The peace framework requires Palestinian factions in Gaza, primarily Hamas, to relinquish civilian control and disarm. UN Special Coordinator Nikolay Mladenov emphasized that both sides have commitments under the broader plan and the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement, which guarantees the release of all hostages. He acknowledged the difficulty of achieving lasting peace but stressed it remains possible if all parties exert their best efforts.

Since the ceasefire began in October 2025, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has reported at least 1,230 Palestinian deaths and 4,076 injuries, with total casualties exceeding 174,000. The figures do not specify how many casualties were militants or from natural causes. The ongoing tensions highlight the challenges facing the peace process and the fragile situation in Gaza.