Fidan: Israel’s ceasefire violations erode trust in the international system

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at the opening of the 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference that the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank continues with impunity, while Israel’s daily ceasefire violations are undermining trust in the international system. Fidan also announced that Libya is nearing a lasting solution.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke at the opening of the 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference, which began in Istanbul. The two-day conference, held under the theme "Partnerships and New Perspectives for Peace: Mediation in a Changing World," opened with video messages from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"The consequences of the humanitarian tragedy are much clearer in Palestine"

Drawing attention to the humanitarian cost of global conflicts, Fidan said: "The result of this humanitarian tragedy is before us, and we can see its consequences much more clearly in Palestine. The occupation of Gaza and the West Bank is also continuing and is being met with impunity. The daily violation of the ceasefire by Israeli forces is eroding trust in the international system and creating distrust in this regard."

Citing UN data, Fidan said that one-quarter of the world’s population lives in conflict zones and that children account for approximately 40 percent of the more than 100 million people forcibly displaced. Saying that "a civilian is killed in an armed conflict every 12 minutes," Fidan said critical sea routes had been blocked and ceasefire violations had become routine.

Three principles of mediation

Fidan highlighted genuine dialogue, sustainable mediation and regional ownership as principles for responding to conflicts. Emphasizing that stability cannot be imposed from outside, Fidan said, "Mediation is not about 'Who will lose?', 'Who will win?' or 'Who will make concessions?'" and said mediation should be placed at the center of political strategy.

Pointing to the Makkah Defense Alliance and the Balkan Peace Platform as practical examples of regional ownership, Fidan said, "The Makkah Alliance was established to protect regional security, peace and prosperity."

"We are close to a lasting solution in Libya"

Fidan said dialogue with the parties in eastern and western Libya was continuing and that they had launched a process encompassing all sides, adding, "We are close to a lasting solution in Libya." Fidan also listed the Russia-Ukraine talks, the Black Sea Grain Agreement and the Ankara Process between Somalia and Ethiopia as examples of Türkiye’s mediation efforts.

In addition to ministerial-level participants, representatives of organizations including the OSCE, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as approximately 200 senior officials, experts and diplomats, are attending the conference.

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Fidan: Israel’s ceasefire violations erode trust in the international system