Turkey protests Gaza meeting in Cyprus as NATO summit looms

A technical meeting on the Gaza conflict was held in the Republic of Cyprus on June 30 – July 1, described by organizers as a “Peace Council for Gaza”. Turkish officials said Ankara will not take part. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ongu Ketseli stated that neither Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan nor any other Turkish representative would attend, adding “Δεν συμμετέχουμε” (“We do not participate”).

The Turkish side argued the gathering was presented abroad as an official council session, which it disputes. Cyprus’ foreign minister Konstantinos Kompos said the island is not an organizer but offered logistical support, noting the venue could even be a British base. Expected participants include former UK prime minister Tony Blair, top Gaza envoy Nikos Mladenov and Israeli businessman Yair Gabbai, with possible direct Israeli representation.

The meeting occurs just days before the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7‑8, an event Turkey regards as a milestone for its foreign‑policy and regional security posture. The summit agenda will cover the war in Ukraine, energy security, Iran, Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon, and Black Sea and Eastern‑Mediterranean security, alongside major defence‑industry deals.