Türkiye Joins Gaza Ceasefire Task Force in High-Level Talks

Türkiye has secured a role in the international task force that will monitor the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to Turkish security sources. The development follows intensive diplomatic negotiations involving Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalın, who has been actively engaged in the multilateral talks aimed at establishing a sustainable peace framework for the conflict-ridden territory.

Intelligence Chief Kalın traveled to Egypt on October 7 to participate in indirect discussions between Israeli and Hamas representatives, marking his inaugural meeting with Egyptian counterparts in this capacity. His involvement continued through Wednesday with comprehensive talks alongside Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egyptian Intelligence Chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and senior US officials including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential advisor Jared Kushner.

The discussions centered on several critical components necessary for lasting peace, including establishing a permanent ceasefire, arranging prisoner exchanges encompassing both living and deceased individuals, significantly increasing humanitarian aid flows into Gaza, and implementing a phased withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces. Throughout the negotiations, Kalın maintained direct communication channels with the Hamas delegation while advocating for governance structures led by Gazans themselves.

Turkish officials emphasized an approach grounded in the principle of local leadership for Gaza's future administration during the talks. The negotiations also addressed practical mechanisms for maintaining the ceasefire and preventing renewed conflict. Palestinian representatives expressed appreciation for Türkiye's diplomatic efforts, specifically acknowledging President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's persistent engagement in seeking resolution to the prolonged conflict.