Thousands of Palestinians in East Jerusalem flocked to Al-Aqsa Mosque for the first Friday prayers since the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip came into effect on January 19.
According to the Jerusalem Islamic Endowments Department, Israeli forces stopped many Palestinians who wanted to pass through Israeli checkpoints to go to Al-Aqsa Mosque in the morning hours. However, despite Israel’s restrictions, 50,000 Muslims lined up for the first Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque after the ceasefire.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the recent peace talks in Istanbul have brought a new dimension to diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and proposed a leaders’ summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “A summit with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and the US could help achieve a long-term ceasefire,” he said.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that President Erdoğan has been working actively since the war began. He added that talks in Istanbul on May 16 led to concrete results, including a prisoner swap.
Fidan shared insights from his prior visit to Moscow and said Russia is open to further talks on June 2. He stressed the importance of continuing momentum and involving international actors to build common ground for peace.
Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and representatives of the Crimean Tatar and Gagauz Turkish communities.
TR