Newspaper: US seeks Türkiye’s role in planned international force for Gaza

The United States is preparing to propose the deployment of an international force in the Gaza Strip and is seeking Türkiye’s participation in the initiative, Yeni Şafak newspaper reported on October 31.

The newspaper notes that according to Israeli media sources, Washington is engaged in delicate negotiations with Israel and several Muslim-majority countries on the creation of an International Stabilisation Force to be stationed in Gaza. Senior US officials involved in the talks said that once these discussions are finalised, the US will formally present its plan for the force’s deployment.

Türkiye, Egypt, and Indonesia are reportedly prepared to send troops to Gaza as part of this initiative, while other countries remain hesitant due to the complexity of the situation on the ground.

The establishment of the International Stabilisation Force was the main subject of discussion during the recent visit to Israel by US Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump’s special representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Amid Israel’s repeated ceasefire violations, it was reported that President Trump is determined to prevent a renewed outbreak of hostilities by moving quickly to deploy an international force. “The Israelis are nervous and sceptical because they no longer control the process and have no leverage,” a senior US official said.

The report also noted that while Türkiye is ready to join the force, Israel opposes its participation. Nevertheless, Washington insists on including Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt in the International Stabilisation Force despite Israel’s objections.

“The Turks have been very helpful in reaching an agreement in Gaza, and (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s provocative statements toward Türkiye have caused great damage,” the US official added.

By Tamilla Hasanova