On May 15, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The dialogue was centered around efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, aiming to secure the release of hostages and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. This information was confirmed by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed ongoing efforts to secure a durable and lasting peace in the region. In addition, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of avoiding an escalation of conflict in the Middle East and ensuring increased deliveries of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.