Turkish FM ready to 'do whatever it takes' for Gaza peace force
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated Türkiye is prepared to contribute significantly to an International Stabilization Force for Gaza, outlining a phased approach starting with separating forces along the border.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared on Saturday that Türkiye is ready to "do whatever it takes" to support peace efforts in Gaza, including potential participation in an International Stabilization Force (ISF). Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar, Fidan confirmed that comprehensive discussions are underway regarding the formation, mission, and operational rules of such a force, emphasizing the need for a "realistic" approach to its mandate.
Phased Approach for an International Force
Fidan outlined a clear vision for the force's primary objective: "Our first objective in deploying ISF should be to separate Palestinians from the Israelis on the border line. This should be our main objective. Then, we can address the other remaining issues." He stressed that for the ISF to be effective, it must be accompanied by the establishment and training of a local police force and the creation of local administrations to form a peace committee. The composition of contributing nations remains undecided but will take shape post-deployment.
Alignment with US Mediation and Call for Ukraine Talks
The foreign minister noted that US President Donald Trump's mediation and peacebuilding activities align with Türkiye's interests, reiterating Ankara's desire for ceasefires in both Gaza and Ukraine. On the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan urged Europe to seek "more creative solutions to become more resilient," advocating for faithful and forceful peace talks. He acknowledged the deep mistrust between Europe and Russia but insisted diplomacy is the only viable path to end the conflict.
Broader Regional Policy Context
Fidan referenced Türkiye's humanitarian "open-door policy" for Syrians following the civil war as an example of its commitment to regional stability, calling for international cooperation to ensure stability in Syria. His statements at the forum reinforce Türkiye's assertive diplomatic posture, positioning the nation as a key potential security provider and mediator in multiple conflicts, while aligning its efforts with ongoing international initiatives.
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