Israel blocks Türkiye from participating in Gaza stabilization forces

Turkish aid shipments at Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and southern Gaza Strip July 4, 2016.
Reuters

Israel and the United States have prevented Türkiye from joining planned international stabilization forces (ISF) for the Gaza Strip, according to a White House broadcast.

Ankara had expressed readiness to contribute troops to the post-conflict mission, which aims to restore infrastructure, coordinate humanitarian aid, and maintain security in Gaza. However, Israel opposed the move, citing Türkiye’s political and ideological closeness to Hamas, a stance fully supported by Washington.

U.S. officials emphasized that the ISF must include only countries capable of maintaining neutrality and carrying out humanitarian tasks without political bias.

The decision comes as the Israeli military recently carried out strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, targeting militant training camps and facilities producing precision-guided missiles in the Bekaa Valley.

In parallel, Israel’s parliament narrowly approved a bill extending Israeli law to parts of the occupied West Bank, passing by a vote of 25 to 24. The initiative has attracted international attention amid ongoing regional tensions.

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