Media: Türkiye expected to join international force in Gaza with non-combat units

Negotiations over Türkiye’s participation in the proposed international force to be deployed in Gaza are expected to conclude by the end of this week, according to security sources speaking to Türkiye Gazetesi.

The sources emphasised that Ankara views a Turkish presence in Gaza as essential, particularly given its role in efforts to broker a ceasefire. They indicated that discussions are focused on sending search-and-rescue and engineering units rather than combat troops.

According to the officials, Türkiye’s contribution would mirror its previous involvement in international missions, such as in Lebanon, where Turkish personnel participated in humanitarian and reconstruction activities. They noted that the current plan is to deploy non-combat units, possibly accompanied by limited protection forces for security purposes.

However, the officials said it was more likely that overall security would be handled by a multinational contingent including countries such as Egypt and Pakistan.

The sources added that Türkiye may also send several high-ranking officers to serve as observers within the mission.

They stressed that Türkiye’s primary objective remains achieving peace and stability in the region by ending the war in Gaza. The officials expressed confidence that Israel—under US influence—would eventually accept a Turkish role in the international force.

By Sabina Mammadli