Negotiations are at an impasse, with no exit in sight: Turkish Foreign Minister

Negotiations regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are at an impasse, with no exit in sight. This was announced by Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during an appearance on Turkish NTV channel.

Fidan stated that on May 15, he had phone conversations on this topic with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Qatari Prime Minister Abdel Rahman Al Thani, and Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh.

“We are at the same place regarding the ceasefire in Gaza as we were last week—at a deadlock,” said Turkey's Foreign Minister.

He also expressed confidence that for progress to be made in negotiations, the U.S. must compel Israel to proceed with a ceasefire.

On May 14, Russia and Egypt condemned Israel's plans in Rafah, following the entry of Israeli tanks into the eastern part of the city. According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, around 450,000 Palestinians have left Rafah in the past week amid the escalation of military operations by Israel.

Israel has promised to continue its assault on Rafah even without the support of allies, despite calls from international partners and aid organizations to refrain from launching a ground incursion into the city.