Ankara: US Ambassador to Trkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack emphasized the need for Trkiye's inclusion in an international stabilization force for Gaza. Highlighting Ankara's military capacity and its open channels of communication with the Palestinian group Hamas, Barrack advocated for Trkiye's participation during the Jerusalem Post's Washington Conference.
According to Anadolu Agency, Barrack's remarks were shared by Israeli journalist Amichai Stein through US social media platform X. He stated that Trkiye's involvement would bolster the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF), a key element of the ceasefire plan's post-war strategy. "Our suggestion was that since the Turks have the largest and most effective ground troop operation in the region, and since they have a dialogue with Hamas, perhaps that would be beneficial as part of the force to cool the temperature," Barrack remarked.
The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect in Gaza on October 10 under US President Donald Trump's plan, ended two years of Israeli attacks that resulted in over 70,000 deaths and nearly 171,000 injuries. Phase one of the ceasefire includes the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, the rebuilding of Gaza, and the establishment of a new governing body excluding Hamas.
UN Resolution 2803 outlines the framework for Gaza's transition, which includes the establishment of a Board of Peace, the ISF, and a new administrative committee for the region.
Trkiye has shown a willingness to participate in the stabilization force. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed Ankara's readiness to support the peace process during the Doha Forum last week. Fidan highlighted that several countries are in favor of Trkiye's involvement, citing its potential to lead and secure wider public legitimacy for the mission.
Fidan mentioned that Ankara is working with Indonesia, Azerbaijan, and other Muslim and Arab partners on post-war plans for Gaza. While Trkiye is open to contributing troops, Fidan noted that participation will depend on the consensus among all relevant parties.