Turkey has called on Muslim-majority countries to take the lead in rebuilding Gaza and ensuring Palestinian control of the territory, accusing Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid and efforts to stabilise the enclave.
At a ministerial meeting in Istanbul on Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia to coordinate positions on Gaza’s post-war future.
The meeting followed renewed violations of the ceasefire and growing concerns over access to humanitarian assistance. In a joint statement, the ministers urged the international community to take “immediate action” against what they described as Israel’s breaches of the truce agreement.
Erdoğan: 'Israel hindering aid efforts'
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking after the meeting, said it was “essential that Muslim countries play a leading role” in Gaza’s reconstruction. He accused Israel of “hindering” international and regional efforts to rebuild and normalise life in the territory.
“Israel is doing everything it can to block the entry of aid and to prevent the establishment of a system in Gaza governed by Palestinians,” Erdoğan said, adding that Turkey would continue diplomatic efforts through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Push for Palestinian governance
Turkey’s initiative aims to align Arab and Muslim states behind a coordinated reconstruction framework, amid concerns that Western-backed plans could sideline Palestinian participation.
“Ceasefire alone is not enough,” Fidan told the meeting. “Gaza must be governed by the Palestinians, not by occupation or proxy.”
Israel rejects Turkish role
Israel has dismissed Ankara’s call for a Muslim-led reconstruction process, insisting it will not permit any Turkish security presence in Gaza. Israeli officials have accused Ankara of politicising the humanitarian crisis and backing groups that threaten regional stability.
The dispute adds to the existing strain between Ankara and Jerusalem, whose relations have fluctuated sharply in recent years despite brief periods of reconciliation.
This week’s meeting came ahead of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) summit in Athens, where Turkey’s regional role - including in energy and reconstruction diplomacy - is expected to feature in side discussions between Western and Middle Eastern officials.
The Istanbul talks were attended by representatives from more than 20 Muslim-majority countries, many of which expressed support for coordinated reconstruction efforts under UN oversight but led by the region’s own institutions.