Foreign ministers from seven countries meet in Istanbul to discuss Gaza ceasefire

Foreign ministers from seven nations gathered in Istanbul on November 3, 2025, to deliberate on sustaining the Gaza ceasefire and outlining the future governance of the embattled enclave. The meeting, hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, included representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Despite the ceasefire initiated on October 10, Israeli strikes have persisted, resulting in over 200 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Fidan emphasized the collective agreement among the ministers to uphold the truce and prevent further violence, advocating for a two-state solution as the foundation for enduring peace. He criticized Israel for repeated truce violations and obstructing humanitarian aid, complicating enforcement efforts. Discussions on Gaza’s post-war governance remain ongoing, with Fidan stressing the necessity of a consensus-driven approach to avoid future structural issues. The ministers unanimously supported the principle that Palestine should be governed and secured by Palestinians. Earlier in the day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, accused Israel of violating the ceasefire while acknowledging Hamas’s adherence to the truce. Erdogan warned that the ongoing violence jeopardizes peace initiatives.