Turkey Joins Gaza Mediation Talks in Doha to Discuss U.S.-Backed Peace Plan

Multilateral Talks Underway in Doha

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Turkey officially joined critical mediation talks in Doha, Qatar, aimed at securing a new peace plan for Gaza. The meeting, announced by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, includes representatives from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the Palestinian group Hamas. Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin was dispatched to Doha by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to participate in these discussions, marking a significant step in Turkey's diplomatic engagement in the ongoing conflict.

Details of the U.S.-Backed Peace Proposal

The central focus of the talks is a comprehensive U.S.-backed 20-point ceasefire proposal, which was presented to Hamas by Qatari and Egyptian officials on Monday evening. Qatar's official Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari confirmed that Hamas has received the plan and is currently studying it, with a response expected soon. Key elements of the proposal reportedly include:

• A cessation of hostilities.
• The release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
• Provisions for post-war reconstruction in Gaza.
• The disarmament of Hamas.
• A phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
• The establishment of a temporary international governance for Gaza.

The plan has been described by U.S. President Donald Trump as the closest the parties have come to ending the conflict, and he has urged Hamas to accept it.

International Reactions and Turkey's Role

The peace initiative has garnered considerable international support, with the European Union calling it 'the best chance for lasting peace.' However, Palestinian factions have expressed reservations, with some denouncing it as a 'full endorsement of Israel's colonial project.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly accepted the plan, though he also stated that the Israeli army would remain in most of the Gaza Strip, a point that may contradict aspects of the proposal. Qatar's involvement in the mediation is contingent on specific security guarantees, following an Israeli attack on Doha on September 9.

Turkey has long positioned itself as a potential mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, maintaining diplomatic ties with Hamas and advocating for a central role in resolving the Gaza crisis. President Erdogan has previously praised President Trump's efforts to broker a ceasefire and 'halting the bloodshed,' affirming Turkey's commitment to supporting the diplomatic process for a 'just and lasting peace.'

Outlook for the Negotiations

The current talks represent a coordinated effort between Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to bring an end to the war in Gaza. While Hamas is studying the proposal, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari noted that it is 'too early to speculate on the outcome' but expressed optimism due to the plan's comprehensive nature. The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to significantly influence the future of the besieged enclave and the broader regional stability.