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Israel might resume military operations in Gaza, top Turkish diplomat says

Hakan Fidan emphasized that the "international community must take a firm stance and not let Benjamin Netanyahu resume genocide for the sake of his political interests"

ANKARA, February 4. /TASS/. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says it’s possible that Israel might resume military operations in Gaza after prisoner swaps conclude.

"The international community needs to work to make sure that the ceasefire in Gaza is permanent," the top Turkish diplomat said at a press conference following talks with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty. "I had a meeting with members of the Hamas political bureau. Hamas is fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire agreement without hesitation. However, there are certain questions as to which position will be taken by the Netanyahu government following the release of Israeli hostages. The possibility of Netanyahu resuming military operations has everyone on edge," Fidan said.

The Turkish foreign minister added that the "international community must take a firm stance and not let Netanyahu resume genocide for the sake of his political interests."

Speaking of the situation in the Gaza Strip, Fidan pointed out that the "humanitarian situation in Gaza demands an urgent solution." "Egypt plays a very important role in delivering aid to Gaza. Turkey sent 8,500 tons of humanitarian aid to the enclave. Gaza needs tents, fuel, construction equipment," he said.

Fidan also noted that countries in the region must be proactive when it comes to regional issues. "If we don’t get involved, third countries will come in and promote their firm policy here. But seeking external solutions for local problems has never brought peace to our region. On the contrary, the steps taken by foreign countries in accordance with their interests have returned to us as war, instability and poverty," Fidan emphasized. Due to this, he stated that it is necessary to produce intraregional solutions and reiterated that "under the guidance of presidents, Turkey and Egypt have taken on an important obligation on this track.".