Turkey prepares troop deployment for Gaza peacekeeping mission
The Turkish government is concluding a plan to send hundreds of soldiers to Gaza as part of a proposed international peacekeeping mission, Middle East Eye and agencies reported on November 10th.
The initiative, part of a broader Gaza peace plan developed by US President Donald Trump, envisions the deployment of a multinational stabilisation force to oversee security and reconstruction in Gaza after 2 years of Israel’s genocidal campaign.
Turkey is expected to play a leading role, with an estimated 2,000 soldiers being assembled from across the country. The contingent will reportedly be comprised of personnel from several branches of the Turkish armed forces, with prior experience in peacekeeping and conflict zones.
However, the proposal remains diplomatically uncertain. Israel has publicly opposed the idea of Turkish troops entering Gaza, and the United States has yet to make a final decision.
A United Nations resolution authorising the mission has not been passed. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated that “there will be no Turkish boots on the ground”.
Despite the lack of agreement, Turkish officials say the mission would be part of a UN-led effort aimed at ensuring a ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian recovery, and contributing to post-war reconstruction.
Ankara has also sought to bolster its credibility as a regional mediator, reportedly assisting in the return of the remains of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin, who was killed in Gaza more than a decade ago.
A senior Turkish official claimed this effort could form part of wider negotiations on the movement of Hamas fighters still trapped in Gaza tunnels.
“This will be a coordinated international effort, not a unilateral deployment,” another Turkish official said, in reference to to the Turkish deployment. While Turkish security officials have said Ankara’s involvement would bring stability to Gaza and stop potential escalations.
Documents seen by Middle East Eye indicate that the mission would be permitted to disarm Hamas “by force if necessary.” This clause has drawn criticism from Ankara, which accuses Washington of outsourcing Israeli security responsibilities to regional allies.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has insisted that his country’s participation would depend on a clear UN Security Council mandate.
Trump has defended the plan as “the key to lasting peace,” saying UN approval is imminent. He has also announced his intention to personally chair the mission’s “Board of Peace,” a move that would give Washington significant control over the operation’s direction.
Middle East Eye and agencies, The Times of Israel, Maghrebi.org
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