Syria21 January, 20262 min read
Trump, Erdogan Hold Phone Call to Coordinate Response to Gaza War
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Trump and Erdogan held a phone call discussing developments in Syria and Gaza Trump described the conversation as 'very good'
6 outlets told this the same way.
Outlets did split on Asad Al-Shaibani Meets Saddam Haftar in Benghazi Over Syrian Consulate And Missing Syrians →
Erdogan and Trump: Syria, Gaza
On Jan. 20, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump held an extended phone call to coordinate on regional stability, focusing on Syria and the Gaza war.
“Turkish media report that on January 20 President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an extensive phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss regional stability, the future of Syria and the Gaza war.”
They discussed Ankara's priorities of Syria's territorial integrity and a "peaceful Syria, free from terrorism."
They also discussed ISIL/IS detainees held in Syrian prisons.
The call occurred as the Trump administration unveiled a "Board of Peace" tied to a 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict and rebuild the enclave.
Ankara said Erdoğan thanked Trump for the invitation to join that board.
Both presidents pledged to keep communication open on regional and global issues following the call.
Syria talks and security concerns
Syria was a central subject in the call. Erdoğan emphasized preserving Syria’s territorial unity and a 'peaceful Syria, free from terrorism'. The leaders discussed recent fighting in northeastern Syria and a newly declared ceasefire between Damascus and U.S.-backed Kurdish forces.
Turkish outlets and regional reporting highlighted Ankara’s insistence on dismantling groups it labels terrorist, specifically referencing the PKK and its affiliates. Turkey said it was closely following SDF developments tied to reintegration into the central state.
Turkey and Gaza peace board
Gaza and the U.S.-led 'Board of Peace' figured prominently. Ankara said Erdoğan thanked Trump for the invitation to join the board, which Caspianpost described as overseeing a 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, rebuild the enclave, and mobilize international resources.
“The call came as the Trump administration unveiled a Board of Peace to oversee a 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, rebuild the enclave and mobilize international resources; Erdoğan thanked Trump for an invitation to join that board.”
Multiple outlets reported Erdoğan reaffirming Turkey's willingness to coordinate with the United States and NATO allies to pursue peace in Gaza. Trump characterized the call in brief public comments as either 'very good' (Asharq Al-Awsat) or 'very important' (Devdiscourse).
Regional security concerns
Outlets reported discussions about the fight against the Islamic State and concerns over IS detainees held in Syrian prisons. They also reported Turkey’s sensitivity to Kurdish armed groups. The Straits Times highlighted that Turkey views the Syrian Democratic Forces as linked to the PKK and is closely following their reintegration status.
Caspianpost and The Straits Times specifically noted the issue of IS detainees. Devdiscourse emphasized Ankara’s push to dismantle groups it deems terrorist.
Turkey and US Gaza coordination
Across the reporting, the tone and level of detail vary. Regional and Asian outlets give context on immediate Syrian developments and Ankara’s anti-PKK posture. Caspianpost supplies a more explicit description of U.S. institutional plans for Gaza, naming the Board of Peace, National Committee, and Executive Board.
“The U.S. has also set up a National Committee for the Administration and an Executive Board to manage the transition from conflict to development.”
All sources convey that Turkey intends to coordinate with the United States on Gaza and that both leaders pledged ongoing communication. However, concrete outcomes or commitments beyond the invitation to the Board and expressions of coordination were not detailed in the available reporting.