BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Israel has stated it will not permit Turkish troops to participate in an international force proposed by the United States to supervise the ceasefire agreement in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, as indicated by its foreign minister on Monday.
The 20-point agreement facilitated by former U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month proposes a monitoring force for the ceasefire but does not specify which countries would contribute troops.
The plan mentions that the U.S. will collaborate with Arab and international partners to establish a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza that will train and support “vetted Palestinian police forces,” in consultation with Jordan and Egypt, which have considerable experience in this area.
The initial phase of the ceasefire focuses on the recovery of remaining deceased hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian bodies held by Israel. Recently, the Israeli military reported the return of another deceased hostage.
Concerns Regarding the Force
Countries considering involvement in the international force are seeking clarity on its mission. Officials from various Arab and Muslim nations have emphasized the need for a peacekeeping role rather than an enforcer of peace between Israel and Hamas. King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed concerns during a BBC interview, asking, “What is the mandate of security forces inside of Gaza?”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, during a trip to Hungary, reiterated Israel’s objection to Turkish troop involvement in Gaza due to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s longstanding hostility towards Israel. Saar indicated that Israel had communicated its position to U.S. officials.
Hostage Exchange and International Efforts
In the ongoing hostage exchange, Israel has returned 195 Palestinian bodies as compensation for deceased hostages, with the identification of less than half of them so far. Meanwhile, efforts to locate hostages still in Gaza continue, with Egypt deploying a team to assist these operations.
Turkish Involvement and Relations
At a recent summit in Egypt, Erdogan signed a document supporting Trump’s vision for Gaza, declaring Turkey’s readiness to provide various forms of assistance. Despite strained relations with Israel amid the war—initiated by the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023—Turkey maintains close connections with Hamas, which it does not classify as a terrorist organization.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remarked during a government meeting that Israel will dictate which foreign forces are unacceptable, a stance that aligns with recent statements from U.S. officials. The international community is actively pursuing a U.N. mandate or an alternative form of international authorization to support peacekeeping efforts.
