Turkey is unlikely to participate in the stabilization of Gaza, reports The Guardian

Turkey is unlikely to be part of the 5,000-strong stabilization contingent in Gaza. Israel has expressed reluctance to see Turkish troops in this operation.

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, emphasized that Israel must be satisfied with the composition of the multinational forces being created to prevent a security vacuum in Gaza. Turkey expressed readiness to provide troops, but Israel has made it clear that it does not support this participation, reports The Guardian.

Tensions and Diplomatic Nuances

Relations between Israel and Turkey have worsened amid the situation in Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is perceived by the Israeli government as too close to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. Excluding Turkey from the stabilization forces is controversial, given its role in the ceasefire agreement brokered by Trump and its status as one of the strongest Muslim armies.

The Role of Egypt and International Participants

The command of the stabilization forces is expected to remain with Egypt. Indonesia and the UAE insist on a UN Security Council mandate, even if the mission is not a UN peacekeeping operation.

The forces will coordinate actions with the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) led by the U.S., located in Kiryat Gat. This unit, including advisors from the UK, France, Jordan, and the UAE, was opened on June 21 by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

Tasks and Challenges of the Stabilization Forces

The main task is the disarmament of Hamas and support for the transitional Palestinian government, the formation of which remains a contentious issue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out the participation of the Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza, although Palestinian factions have agreed to an independent technocratic committee.

A sign of tension was the Turkish specialists’ wait for permission to enter Gaza to assist in the search for bodies. They remained at the Egyptian border, awaiting Israel’s decision.

Erdoğan called on the U.S. and other countries to increase pressure on Israel through sanctions and an arms sales ban to ensure compliance with the ceasefire in Gaza.