Hamas ‘determined’ to stick to Gaza truce: Erdogan

ISTANBUL,

Hamas is “determined” to stick to the Gaza truce, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, adding that it was crucial for Muslim nations to play a leading role in the Palestinian territory’s reconstruction.

“It seems that Hamas is quite determined to adhere to the agreement,” Erdogan told delegates from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathered in Istanbul for their annual COMCEC economic cooperation summit.

His remarks came as Turkey prepared to host the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia for talks on Gaza’s reconstruction, amid growing fears for the shaky 10 October ceasefire.

The talks are set to begin around 1100 GMT at an Istanbul hotel, with a news conference due several hours later.

“At this point, we need to deliver more humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and then begin reconstruction efforts.
“The Israeli government is doing everything in its power to prevent this,” Erdogan said.

“We believe the reconstruction plan prepared by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation should be implemented immediately,” he added, referring to a plan unveiled in March for rebuilding the shattered Palestinian territory.

“It is essential that the OIC and COMCEC play a leading role in the recovery of Gaza,” he said.

–BSS/AFP