Turkish Army ready to join International Stabilization Force in Gaza, minister says

The Turkish Armed Forces are prepared to contribute to the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip with an aim of ensuring security in the region.

“The Turkish Armed Forces, drawing on their extensive experience from previous peacekeeping missions, are prepared to undertake any task assigned to them in establishing and maintaining peace within the framework of international law,” Aktürk said in a statement published on the Ministry’s X page, Caliber.Az reports.

He added that as one of the four guarantor states of the ceasefire agreement, Türkiye continues to hold diplomatic and military consultations with other countries involved.

Aktürk's remarks align with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's vocal advocacy for a robust Turkish role, positioning Ankara as a pivotal mediator and stabiliser in the post-war enclave. This follows Türkiye's instrumental involvement in convincing Hamas to accept the first phase of President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan, signed on October 9, 2025, which includes provisions for international stabilisation force to oversee demilitarisation, hostage recovery, and interim governance.

The ceasefire agreement, activated on October 10, 2025, marks the most significant de-escalation since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and triggered Israel's offensive, resulting in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza. Brokered in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with mediation from Türkiye, Qatar, and the U.S., the deal's first phase halted hostilities, reopened the Rafah crossing for unrestricted aid (over 1,000 trucks entered by October 15), and secured the release of 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Proposed in Trump's September 29, 2025, White House announcement, the ISF would comprise troops from Arab states, the U.S., and NATO allies.

By Khagan Isayev