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Erdogan Refuses to Land in Egypt Over Netanyahu’s Presence at Gaza Ceasefire Summit
Turkish President Erdogan refused to land in Egypt after learning Israeli PM Netanyahu would attend the Gaza ceasefire summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. His plane circled the Red Sea until Netanyahu canceled his visit.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-13
Erdogan Refuses to Land in Egypt Over Netanyahu’s Presence at Gaza Ceasefire Summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refused to land in Egypt on Monday after learning that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be attending the Gaza ceasefire agreement signing ceremony in Sharm el-Sheikh, diplomatic sources confirmed.

According to a journalist from Turkish broadcaster CNN Turk, President Erdogan’s plane was preparing to land at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport when it abruptly changed course and began circling over the Red Sea. The move followed reports that Netanyahu had accepted an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend the summit alongside world leaders.

The Turkish journalist reported that Ankara had made its stance clear beforehand — if Netanyahu was present, the Turkish delegation would not share the same space with him.

“If Netanyahu had been there, it would not have been possible for the Turkish delegation to be in the same frame with him,” the journalist said, adding that Turkey “reacted openly” to the development.

Erdogan’s aircraft reportedly hovered over Egyptian airspace until confirmation came that Netanyahu’s participation had been canceled. Shortly afterward, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement saying that Netanyahu would not attend the summit, citing a Jewish holiday as the reason for his absence.

Earlier, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s arrival in Israel, Egyptian President al-Sisi had held a phone call with Netanyahu, inviting him to join the ceasefire signing ceremony aimed at formally concluding hostilities in Gaza. Netanyahu initially accepted the invitation, but Israeli media later confirmed his withdrawal.

The Gaza ceasefire summit in Sharm el-Sheikh is being attended by multiple regional and international leaders, including Trump, al-Sisi, and representatives from Qatar and Jordan. The meeting is expected to finalize the terms of the Gaza Peace Agreement, which includes the release of hostages and large-scale humanitarian aid for Palestinians.

President Erdogan’s last-minute protest underscores ongoing tensions between Turkey and Israel, even as diplomatic efforts intensify to stabilize the region following months of conflict.
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Turkey

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GazaCeasefire

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