Turkiye could accept some Palestinians freed by Israel: FM

AFP | Doha
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Turkiye has expressed its willingness to accept some freed Palestinian prisoners as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Speaking during a press conference in Doha on Sunday, Fidan stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had already declared Turkiye’s readiness to host released Palestinian detainees to help support the agreement.

“Our president has declared that we are ready to take in some freed Palestinians... in order to support the agreement. Turkiye, along with other countries, will do its part in this regard so the ceasefire agreement can remain in force,” Fidan told reporters in the Qatari capital.

The ceasefire deal, which has temporarily halted hostilities in Gaza, involves a three-phase process that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. While many freed Palestinians have returned to the West Bank or Gaza, discussions have emerged regarding potential third-country resettlements for some individuals.

Turkiye's offer aligns with its broader diplomatic efforts to support peace negotiations and ensure the ceasefire remains intact. Alongside Qatar and Egypt, Ankara has played a mediating role in the ongoing conflict, advocating for de-escalation and humanitarian relief.

While no specifics were provided on how many prisoners Turkiye might take in or under what conditions, Fidan emphasized the country's commitment to facilitating stability in the region.

With negotiations for phase two of the ceasefire set to begin soon, Turkiye’s stance adds another dimension to the evolving diplomatic landscape surrounding the Israel-Hamas truce.