Turkey is ready to contribute several thousand military personnel to a US-supported, Muslim-majority international force in the Gaza Strip, according to Turkish officials familiar with the matter. This move comes despite strong opposition from Israel, creating a complex diplomatic situation.
Turkey's Proposed Military Contribution
Turkish officials, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, revealed that Turkey plans to deploy combat and engineering units as part of the International Stabilization Force promoted by President Donald Trump. The deployment would include several thousand troops, marking a significant commitment to the Gaza stabilization effort.
The United States broadly supports Turkey's participation in the force, particularly following Ankara's successful mediation of a Gaza ceasefire last month alongside Egypt and Qatar. However, Turkey has set conditions for its involvement, requesting that Washington limit Israel's use of military force once Turkish troops enter the enclave.
Israeli Opposition and Diplomatic Tensions
Israel has expressed strong objections to Turkish involvement in the Gaza force. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated last month that Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, has maintained a hostile approach toward Israel. He emphasized that it would be unreasonable to allow Turkish armed forces into the Gaza Strip and confirmed that Israel has communicated this position to American officials.
The tensions between the two nations have escalated significantly since Hamas's attack on Israel in 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza. Israel has accused Ankara of supporting the Palestinian militant group, while Turkey has expressed outrage over the deaths of tens of thousands of Gaza civilians during the conflict.
International Force Composition and Challenges
The International Stabilization Force, seen as crucial to Trump's plan to transform the temporary truce into lasting peace, is expected to include several Muslim-majority nations. According to Turkish officials, countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan might participate in the multinational effort.
The force is designed to maintain order during the Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and help establish an interim government. However, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding Israel's approval of Turkish participation. Turkish officials believe that Israel might eventually relent if the United States applies sufficient pressure, though there are currently no indications of such a shift in Israel's position.
Before committing troops, Turkey and other potential contributing nations want Washington to address ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza and clarify the force's mandate. According to Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the US and many other countries, Israel has killed 300 Palestinians since the ceasefire began on October 10. Israel maintains that its actions are responses to attacks, including some deadly incidents, targeting its troops.
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic negotiations continue, with the future of the stabilization force hanging in the balance amid complex regional dynamics and historical tensions between Turkey and Israel.
