Jerusalem: Turkey is contemplating the deployment of its military forces in a peacekeeping mission in the Gaza Strip, despite explicit opposition from Israel. A source within the Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed ongoing discussions about Ankara’s potential involvement in the mission.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish Defense Ministry source stated, “We are in contact with our counterparts regarding our participation in the mission that will be established in Gaza,” and noted the establishment of a civil-military coordination center to form an operational force in Gaza. The source outlined plans for an international stabilization force tasked with conducting security patrols, protecting civilian infrastructure, providing humanitarian aid, securing borders, training local security forces, and monitoring the ceasefire.

The source further explained that Turkey’s level of participation in these operations is yet to be determined, with further details expected in the coming days. Addressin
g potential Israeli opposition, the source remarked, “Israel may not be prepared to accept a Turkish presence, but there is a ceasefire agreement, and Turkey is one of its guarantors.”

Last week, the Turkish Ministry of Defense reiterated that the Turkish Armed Forces are “ready to undertake any mission assigned to them” as part of a peacekeeping initiative in Gaza. This statement comes amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition to Turkish military involvement in Gaza as part of an international ceasefire monitoring mission. Despite assurances from the United States that Turkey would play a “constructive role” in President Donald Trump’s plan to end the conflict, Netanyahu communicated to US Vice President J.D. Vance through Israel’s Channel 12 that Israel would not permit Turkish forces in Gaza.