Rize, October 10, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday warned that any return to “an environment of genocide” in Gaza would come at a “very heavy cost,” as he welcomed the newly reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The agreement, finalized early Thursday in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, is based on a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The first phase of the plan entails an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, Israel’s withdrawal to an agreed line in Gaza, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid and reconstruction support for the war-torn enclave.
Speaking at a ceremony inaugurating new facilities and projects in the Black Sea province of Rize, Erdogan said Türkiye has taken — and will continue to take — all necessary steps to help restore peace, security, and stability in Gaza “as soon as possible.”
Referring to the ceasefire deal, Erdogan underscored that “what matters most now is ensuring that the agreement is implemented to the letter,” adding that Ankara would actively contribute to the process.
“Our region, and Gaza in particular, has endured enough bloodshed, massacres, and tears,” he said. “Peace must be given a chance, and all acts of sabotage must be avoided.”
Erdogan hailed the agreement as a “major step” toward a lasting peace despite the challenges ahead. “The door to a permanent peace in Gaza has been opened,” he said. “We say — no more bloodshed.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that the 72-hour period for Hamas to release Israeli captives in Gaza had begun following the ceasefire agreement.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that Israeli forces had completed the first-phase withdrawal to the designated “yellow line.” Under the terms of the deal, Hamas is to release 20 hostages and return 28 bodies, while Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees arrested since October 7, 2023.
