Washington backs Israel in blocking Turkish role in Gaza peace mission

Following a new round of diplomatic consultations, Middle Eastern allies have reached an agreement on the framework for creating international stabilisation forces to be deployed in the Gaza Strip, according to a White House broadcast on YouTube.

Israel and the United States have reportedly ensured that Turkish forces will not be included in the International Stabilisation Forces (ISF) planned for Gaza once active hostilities end.

Earlier, Ankara had expressed readiness to contribute troops to the mission, but Israel strongly opposed Türkiye’s participation, ultimately vetoing its involvement. According to diplomatic sources, Washington fully backed Israel’s position, with US officials confirming that Türkiye is not viewed as a suitable participant in the post-conflict stabilisation effort.

Diplomatic officials said Israel’s objections stem from Ankara’s perceived political and ideological proximity to Hamas in recent years, which Jerusalem argues makes Türkiye’s role in an international peacekeeping mission untenable. The decision was further influenced by repeated statements from Turkish leaders expressing open support for the Palestinian cause.

US representatives agreed with Israel’s assessment, stressing that the stabilisation mission must include only countries maintaining a neutral political stance, capable of performing humanitarian and reconstruction tasks impartially.

The formation of the ISF is being discussed as part of ongoing international efforts to shape a post-war governance and recovery plan for Gaza. The mission’s objectives are expected to include restoring infrastructure, maintaining security, and coordinating humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continue beyond Gaza. The Israeli army recently carried out a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, targeting a militant training camp, facilities for producing precision-guided missiles in the Bekaa Valley, and other elements of the group’s military infrastructure.

In parallel, Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has narrowly passed a bill extending Israeli law to the occupied territories of the West Bank. The measure was approved by a vote of 25 in favour and 24 against.

By Tamilla Hasanova