President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said a proposed International Stabilisation Force in Gaza would struggle to achieve legitimacy without Türkiye’s involvement, arguing that political credibility among Palestinians is essential for any post-war security arrangement.

The remarks were made in a written interview, as discussions continue over a US-backed plan that envisages an international force taking responsibility for security in parts of the Palestinian enclave.

“We Are in a Key Position”

Erdogan, a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his conduct of the war in Gaza, said Türkiye’s exclusion would undermine the force’s ability to gain trust on the ground.

“We are in the position of a key country for such a mission due to our deep historical ties with the Palestinian side, the security and diplomacy channels we have conducted with Israel in the past, and our regional influence as a NATO member country,” he said. “Our political will is clear; we stand ready to take on any responsibility for a lasting peace in Gaza.”

Erdogan also said countries party to the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration, including Türkiye, should be regarded as the most legitimate actors to take part in such a mission, adding that a mechanism without Türkiye would struggle to win the confidence of the Palestinian people.

US Plan and Israeli Objections

The proposed force is part of a broader plan brokered by US President Donald Trump, which envisages an international security presence guarding Gaza and taking control of areas currently held by Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has opposed Türkiye’s participation and raised objections during talks with Washington in December 2025. His stance has reportedly discouraged potential troop contributions from countries including Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, complicating efforts to assemble a multinational force.

Conditional Role for Ankara

According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Ankara is not insisting on deploying troops to Gaza but is concerned that the plan could fail if Hamas and the wider Palestinian public do not trust the international force.

Trump has said he does not rule out Turkish participation, describing Türkiye as a capable partner, even as negotiations over the structure and composition of the force continue.