Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Cairo and Ankara are set to take another step toward deepening diplomatic coordination over the ongoing Gaza crisis, as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosts his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in Ankara on Wednesday. The talks are expected to focus on reinforcing the fragile Gaza ceasefire and on shaping international efforts to rebuild the war-ravaged enclave once hostilities end, according to a senior Turkish foreign ministry source.
Ankara and Cairo in Focus
The meeting underscores a growing alignment between Egypt and Turkey on regional stability and humanitarian priorities following years of strained bilateral relations. It will also mark the first session of the newly established Turkey-Egypt Joint Planning Group, a mechanism designed to advance cooperation on political, economic, and regional security issues. Officials are expected to use this forum to prepare for a high-level summit scheduled to take place in Cairo next year.
Both countries have played pivotal roles in ceasefire mediation alongside Qatar and the United States. Egypt, through its longstanding security channels with both Israel and Hamas, has served as a key intermediary in negotiating truce terms and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza. Turkey, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military operations, describing them as “genocidal”—a charge Israel firmly rejects.
Turkey’s Position and International Role
Turkish officials say Fidan will reaffirm Ankara’s support for the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement while stressing that “despite Israel’s violations, the Palestinian side is adhering to the conditions of the ceasefire and managing the process in a positive way.” The minister is also expected to call on world powers to assist in Gaza’s reconstruction and reiterate Turkey’s willingness to take an active role in post-war rebuilding and stabilization efforts.
Turkey has consistently advocated for the establishment of an international monitoring mechanism to oversee compliance with the ceasefire terms. Ankara has offered to contribute to a potential multinational stabilization force, contingent upon a United Nations Security Council mandate. Washington has reportedly supported ongoing consultations to that end. However, Israel has opposed any Turkish military or monitoring presence in Gaza, arguing that Ankara’s strong political stance compromises its neutrality.
Challenges to a Fragile Truce
Since the U.S.-mediated truce came into effect in October, Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violating the agreement. Israel claims Hamas has delayed the return of hostage remains, while Hamas alleges that Israel continues to restrict humanitarian aid and conduct limited operations within Gaza in breach of the deal. The uncertainty surrounding these allegations has raised concerns over the durability of the ceasefire and the prospects for reconstruction.
Despite these tensions, both Egypt and Turkey have sought to keep diplomatic channels open. Ankara has praised Cairo’s continued role in facilitating the delivery of aid convoys and medical supplies through the Rafah crossing. Turkey itself has dispatched thousands of tonnes of humanitarian assistance and expressed readiness to support recovery operations, including efforts related to the identification and repatriation of hostage remains.
Regional Diplomacy and Broader Engagement
Earlier this month, foreign ministers from seven Muslim-majority countries gathered in Istanbul to discuss the Gaza crisis, though Egypt notably declined to attend. Observers interpret the upcoming Ankara talks as an opportunity to synchronize positions between two of the region’s most influential powers and to reestablish a joint diplomatic front on Gaza and wider Middle Eastern issues.
Fidan’s discussions with Abdelatty come just days after his return from Washington, where he met with senior U.S. officials to discuss Syria and Gaza. Following the talks, the Turkish foreign minister confirmed that both sides reviewed “possible next steps” in reinforcing the ceasefire and coordinating international engagement in the enclave’s post-war recovery.
Looking Ahead
The Ankara meeting is being viewed as a test of Turkey and Egypt’s renewed partnership and their ability to translate shared humanitarian concerns into coordinated diplomatic and reconstruction initiatives. For both nations each with deep historical and political stakes in the region, the talks may serve as a platform to define their roles in shaping Gaza’s future beyond the war.
As efforts to stabilize Gaza gain international traction, the collaboration between Ankara and Cairo could prove instrumental in balancing political mediation, humanitarian relief, and long-term rebuilding in one of the most volatile corners of the Middle East.
