Istanbul talks push Gaza ceasefire, aid access, stabilisation force

Top diplomats from Turkey and six other Muslim-majority countries met in Istanbul on Monday to press for stronger protection of the Gaza ceasefire, greater humanitarian access and clearer plans for a proposed international stabilisation force intended to oversee security in the Palestinian enclave. The meeting, hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, brought together ministers or senior representatives from Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Delegations reviewed progress under a ceasefire that began on October 10 and discussed obstacles to implementing a broader US-brokered 20-point plan that envisages prisoner exchanges, reconstruction and a new security and governing arrangement for Gaza. Fidan and other participants said the ceasefire remains fragile and urged sustained international pressure to ensure Israel meets its obligations on halting attacks and allowing unhindered aid deliveries. "Palestinians should govern the Palestinians and ensure their own security," Fidan said after the talks, calling for a postwar framework led by Gazans with international support.

Participants also raised the stalled negotiations over the...