Erdogan urges US to enforce Gaza ceasefire, calls for sanctions and arms embargo on Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has urged the United States (US) and other nations to take stronger action to ensure Israel respects the Gaza ceasefire, suggesting measures such as sanctions or suspending arms sales if violations continue.

Turkey, a NATO member, has been one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. It recently taken on a more direct role in the ceasefire talks with Ankara’s increased involvement after a meeting last month between Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump at the White House.

“Turkey is making every effort to secure the ceasefire,” Erdoğan told reporters on his return from a regional tour of Gulf states. “The Hamas side is adhering to the agreement and has declared its commitment to it, while Israel continues to breach the terms.”

According to a transcript released by his office on Friday, Erdoğan said the international community—particularly the United States—must step up efforts to ensure Israel’s full compliance with the truce.

Ankara has announced plans to join a “task force” responsible for overseeing the ceasefire’s implementation. Turkish officials have also said the country’s armed forces could participate in either a military or civilian capacity if required and that Turkey intends to take an active role in Gaza’s post-conflict reconstruction.