Foreign Minister discusses post-Assad Syria and Gaza conflict with EU officials

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held discussions with key European officials on Monday to address ongoing crises in Ukraine, Syria, and Gaza, Turkish diplomatic sources confirmed.

In a phone call with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Fidan reviewed the current situation in Syria and Ukraine. Separately, he spoke with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, with conversations focused on Syria and the escalating conflict in Gaza.

The discussions underscored the significance of implementing an inclusive transition process in Syria, as the country faces political upheaval following the December 8 fall of Damascus to anti-regime forces.

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled the country for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia, marking the end of the Baath Party’s nearly six-decade rule.

Fidan also criticized Israel’s activities in the Golan Heights, calling them a violation of international law that negatively impacts efforts to stabilize Syria in the post-Assad era.

The ministers further deliberated on potential measures to establish a cease-fire in Gaza. Over 14 months of Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of more than 45,000 Palestinians, with official statistics indicating that 70% of the casualties are women and children, according to the United Nations.

The Gaza crisis has intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s actions. Last month, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the prolonged bombardment of Gaza.