Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds up a photo from Gaza as he speaks at the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in NYC.
US backs Turkish involvement in Gaza stability plan
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Trump backs Turkish role in a proposed international stabilization force in Gaza.
- ‘Israel’ rejects Turkish participation, even as US officials float a remote role.
Discussions between US President Donald Trump and ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have included the possible deployment of an international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip as part of a plan to end the war and enforce a ceasefire agreement, according to the Hebrew daily Haaretz.
The newspaper reported that the talks focused on whether Turkey could take part in the proposed force, which would be tasked with ensuring implementation of a ceasefire deal in Gaza.
Talks in Florida
Haaretz cited a source familiar with the discussions held last week in Florida, saying Trump supported Turkey’s inclusion in the international force. According to the source, Trump argued that Turkish participation could help facilitate Hamas handing over its weapons.
The report said ‘Israel’ continues to categorically oppose any Turkish role in the force. This rejection persists despite separate Hebrew media reports about a US proposal that would limit Turkey’s involvement to an indirect or remote capacity.
Remote participation proposal
The ‘Israeli’ Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that US officials raised with their ‘Israeli’ counterparts the idea of Turkey participating “remotely” in the international force.
Under the proposal, there would be no Turkish troops on the ground in Gaza. Instead, Turkey would provide logistical and operational support from rear bases in Jordan and Egypt, backing the international force deployed inside the strip.
The broadcaster said the idea was floated before the Florida meeting between Trump and Netanyahu.
Erdoğan weighs in
Separately, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said it would be difficult for any mechanism that excludes Turkey to gain the trust of the Palestinian people.
“We are in a pivotal position for such a mission, given our deep historical ties with the Palestinian side, the security and diplomatic channels we have managed with ‘Israel’ in the past, and our regional influence as a NATO member,” Erdoğan said in remarks to Bloomberg.
He added, “Our political will is clear. We are ready to assume any responsibility to achieve lasting peace in Gaza.”
Erdoğan also said Turkey’s role was decisive in reaching the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement, which enabled a ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
What comes next
The reports highlight growing differences between Washington and ‘Israel’ over post-war arrangements in Gaza, particularly the composition of any international force meant to oversee a ceasefire and longer-term stability. Whether Turkey will have any role, direct or indirect, remains a key point of contention in the ongoing talks.
