German Minister Urges Turkey to Maintain Pressure on Hamas

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called on Turkey to maintain pressure on Hamas, emphasizing Turkey's responsible role as a supporter of the Gaza peace plan. Wadephul also highlighted the potential for collaboration with Turkey on foreign policy issues, including the situation in Syria and the war in Ukraine.

Key Points

Wadephul emphasized Turkey's crucial role in maintaining pressure on Hamas as a supporter of the Gaza peace plan.
He commended Turkey's mediation efforts that led to the ceasefire in Gaza and its commitment to the 20-point peace plan.
Discussions during the visit will encompass the situation in Syria, the conflict in Ukraine, and other bilateral matters.
Turkey aims to become a key component of Europe's defense architecture, particularly with its growing arms industry.
Wadephul stressed the shared objective of ending the war in Ukraine swiftly by cutting off Russia's revenue streams.
He suggested Istanbul as a possible venue for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Background

The visit occurs against the backdrop of Turkey's involvement as a mediator in negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Turkey has also expressed its willingness to play a central role in the reconstruction of Gaza, potentially deploying troops to oversee a peace agreement. While both Germany and Turkey support a two-state solution, their official stances on Israel differ significantly. Turkish President Erdoğan has accused Israel of genocide and halted trade, while the German government has refrained from such accusations. The meeting also addresses European security strategies under NATO, as Turkey seeks to integrate its arms industry into the broader European defense framework.

Numbers & Facts

Johann Wadephul: German Foreign Minister.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: Turkish President.
Hakan Fidan: Turkish Foreign Minister, expected to meet with Wadephul.
20-Point Peace Plan: A plan for the Gaza Strip, jointly supported by Germany and Turkey.
Historical Ceasefire: Refers to the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, in which Turkey acted as mediator.
October 17, 2025: Date of the news report.

Assessment

Wadephul's remarks highlight the importance Germany places on Turkey's influence in the region, especially regarding Hamas. By urging Turkey to maintain pressure, Germany hopes to advance the peace process and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The visit is also an opportunity to address other pressing foreign policy challenges, such as the conflict in Ukraine, where Turkey's geographic position gives it a crucial role in Black Sea access and potential mediation. Turkey's ambition to integrate its defense industry into Europe’s security architecture could strengthen NATO but also brings potential political complexities, considering differing views on issues like the relationship with Israel.

Outlook

The upcoming discussions between Wadephul and Turkish officials are expected to cover a wide range of issues, including security strategies, the war in Ukraine, and bilateral relations. The focus will likely be on identifying areas of cooperation and addressing differences in opinion. Further collaboration on the Gaza peace plan and humanitarian aid efforts is anticipated. It remains to be seen whether Turkey will increase pressure on Hamas and how the two countries will navigate their differing stances on Israel. The potential for Istanbul to host negotiations between Ukraine and Russia will also be explored, depending on diplomatic developments.

Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/wadephul-ankara-100.html