Türkiye prepared to deploy troops for Gaza stabilization force
In a decisive interview, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated Türkiye is prepared to undertake "any responsibility," including deploying military personnel, as part of an international force for Gaza. He emphasized that Ankara's participation is not subject to Israeli approval and called for an end to Israel's maximalist demands for peace to progress.
Türkiye has declared its readiness to assume a leading role, potentially including military deployment, within any future international stabilization force for Gaza. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, stated the nation is prepared for "any responsibility" to resolve the Palestinian issue and establish lasting peace, citing the political will of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Clear stance on international force participation
Fidan was unequivocal about Türkiye's potential involvement in a Gaza stabilization force, a point of contention with Israel. "If it becomes necessary to send troops for peace, we are ready to send them," he affirmed, dismissing the notion that Tel Aviv holds veto power. He argued that such a force, operating alongside a proposed Peace Council and Palestinian-led governance mechanisms, could effectively separate parties and secure the border if the broader peace process advances with humanitarian and economic steps.
Criticism of Israeli demands and regional diplomacy
The minister called for international pressure to push Israel away from what he termed "maximalist demands," including the creation of buffer zones, which he views as negotiation tactics. He warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's true aim is the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. Fidan highlighted coordinated diplomatic efforts with regional partners like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, while noting a more "rational and constructive" recent approach from Washington, which is mediating.
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Broader regional concerns and Syria
Expanding on regional stability, Fidan welcomed the lifting of US Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, viewing it as a hopeful step. He sharply criticized Israel's military actions within Syria, labeling its expansionism as unacceptable and a source of chaos that benefits no one. He expressed hope that Israel would recognize regional escalation is against its own interests, noting Türkiye is closely discussing these concerns with the United States.
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