Five-government task force to locate dead 'Israeli' captives in Gaza

• Five-nation task force formed under the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement to locate dead Gaza captives’ remains.
• Turkey joins USA, Egypt, Qatar, and ‘Israel’ in mission seen as key to the Gaza ceasefire plan.

A joint five-nation task force comprising forces from Turkey, the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and the ‘Israeli’ government will be formed to locate the remains of dead captives whose whereabouts remain unknown in the Gaza Strip.

A senior Turkish official told Reuters on Thursday that Turkey will take part in this special joint mission, which is among the key clauses of the “Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement” announced early Thursday, aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

The operation, involving parties with differing interests, is described as an effort meant to bring closure to the captives’ families. 

Read more: Trump announcement: ‘Israel’, Hamas agree to first phase of Gaza peace plan

It forms part of the comprehensive arrangements under the agreement to turn the page on the war.

Turkey’s participation underscores its pivotal role in mediation, particularly in the talks hosted by Egypt that led to the ceasefire. 

Turkish officials actively took part in negotiations, and Ankara’s involvement now reinforces its position as a key guarantor of the deal, especially concerning humanitarian and reconstruction aspects.

The formation of the task force is part of the first phase of the plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump early Thursday. 

Trump said that both ‘Israel’ and Hamas have agreed to this initial stage, emphasizing that the deal enjoys broad international support.

He also addressed Gaza’s future, claiming that Gaza will be rebuilt and that he’s forming a Peace Council, with regional states committed to the “vision.”