Meeting in Istanbul to discuss the next phase in Gaza

Foreign ministers from Islamic countries are meeting today, Monday, in Istanbul, Turkey, in a session dedicated to discussing the next phase in the Gaza Strip, following the ceasefire agreement reached based on a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Seven countries are participating in Monday's meeting: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Leaders from these countries had previously met with Trump in late September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, after which Trump announced his plan regarding Gaza.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated last week that the goal of the Istanbul meeting is to "assess our progress and discuss what we can achieve together in the next phase," considering that "a peace plan is beginning to take shape, and it offers a glimmer of hope for everyone."

Fidan confirmed that the discussions will address questions such as "What are the obstacles to its implementation? What challenges must be overcome? What are the next steps? What will we discuss with our Western friends? And what forms of support are available for ongoing talks with the United States?"

During a forum in Istanbul, he said, "We must put an end to the massacre in Gaza. A ceasefire alone is not enough," reiterating the importance of a two-state solution.

According to sources in the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Fidan will call on Monday for "establishing mechanisms that enable Palestinians to ensure security and governance in Gaza."

Turkey has played a key role in mediating the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Before today's meeting, the Turkish Foreign Minister held talks in Istanbul on Saturday with members of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to discuss the ceasefire agreement.

A ceasefire has been in effect in the region since October 10, according to the U.S. president's plan, which has been marred by repeated violations from Israel.

In a later phase, Trump's 20-point plan stipulates the formation of a "temporary international stabilization force to be deployed immediately" in Gaza, which will "provide training and support to approved Palestinian police forces."

The force is expected to be deployed to ensure stability in the region alongside the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army, and it will primarily consist of troops from Arab and Muslim countries.