Türkiye has signalled readiness to contribute to a proposed Gaza stabilisation force during the inaugural Board of Peace meeting on Thursday (19 February), but according to former Turkish diplomat Mehmet Öğütçü, the decisive factor will be whether Israel and the United States agree on Ankara’s role.
Speaking to AnewZ from London, Öğütçü said Türkiye’s capabilities are not in question and that the uncertainty lies in the political environment.
“What Türkiye can provide is quite open and clear,” he said, pointing to Ankara’s ability to deliver not only financial assistance but also military support, reconstruction of roads and hospitals, police training and humanitarian aid.
However, he noted that Israel, which currently occupies Gaza and seeks to maintain control over its future security and reconstruction architecture, may be reluctant to accept Turkish troops on the ground.
“In Israeli politics there is a very strong anti-Turkish sentiment now,” Öğütçü said.
Whether Israeli authorities would allow Turkish boots in Gaza, he added, remains an open question.
For Ankara’s involvement to move forward, Öğütçü argued that a clear understanding must be reached between United States, Israel and Türkiye regarding the scope and limits of Türkiye’s participation.
He described Türkiye as a potential “bridging country” - a powerful regional actor capable of providing not only financial aid, as Gulf states are expected to do, but also tangible reconstruction and security support. He added that many residents of Gaza view Türkiye as a source of hope, giving Ankara a degree of local legitimacy.
At the same time, Öğütçü cautioned that without a clearly defined mandate, Turkish engagement could carry significant political and economic risks.
“Before Turkey and other nations - Indonesia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Morocco - send troops, the role of each country must be well defined at the outset,” he said. Responsibilities in areas such as security, reconstruction, training and peacekeeping would require precise coordination.
Much, he argued, depends on how U.S. President Donald Trump chooses to proceed. Trump would likely face friction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Türkiye’s role, making Washington’s diplomatic management critical to the initiative’s success.
Even with U.S. backing, Öğütçü warned, the plan could fail if political differences are not reconciled.
“Otherwise, this could prove to be a catastrophe for Gaza again,” he said.
He added that Trump is likely to proceed cautiously, aiming to ensure that any stabilization initiative delivers results acceptable to both Israel and the Palestinians, while avoiding further destabilisation in the region.
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 bi...
The President Cup 2026 continued with a dynamic programme, as the second day marked the official start of the international regatta....
Two Jewish men have been stabbed in London in an incident that British police are treating as a terrorist attack.&nbs...
A new Georgian-language broadcaster backed by Poland’s public media has launched with promises of objectivity - but it is already fuelli...
Armenia and Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body announced on Wednesday (29 April), bringing ...
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 billion had so far been spent on the conflict, most of it on munitions. Earlier, Donald Trump said that the U.S. had "militarily defeated" Tehran.
Two Jewish men have been stabbed in London in an incident that British police are treating as a terrorist attack.
A new Georgian-language broadcaster backed by Poland’s public media has launched with promises of objectivity - but it is already fuelling debate over influence, trust, and politics.
Armenia and Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body announced on Wednesday (29 April), bringing the youth tournament to the South Caucasus for the second consecutive edition after the 2027 event.
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 billion had so far been spent on the conflict, most of it on munitions. Earlier, Donald Trump said that the U.S. had "militarily defeated" Tehran.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday Iran could telephone if it wants to negotiate an end to their two-month war. Tehran said the U.S. should remove obstacles to a deal, including its blockade of Iran's ports. Meanwhile Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in St Petersburg for talks.
Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high after a U.S. official said President Donald Trump was unhappy with a proposal from Tehran that does not deal with its nuclear programme. Washington is insisting that any talks must address Iran’s nuclear activities.
The death toll from a train collision near Indonesia’s capital Jakarta rose to 14 women on Tuesday (28 April), with 84 people injured, after rescuers completed efforts to free passengers trapped in the wreckage, the state rail operator said.
The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC+ on 1 May has put renewed focus on one of the most influential groups in global energy - and how its decisions can shape oil prices worldwide.
The President Cup 2026 continued with a dynamic programme, as the second day marked the official start of the international regatta.
A new Georgian-language broadcaster backed by Poland’s public media has launched with promises of objectivity - but it is already fuelling debate over influence, trust, and politics.
Armenia and Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body announced on Wednesday (29 April), bringing the youth tournament to the South Caucasus for the second consecutive edition after the 2027 event.
Former security chief Kamchybek Tashiev has been questioned in connection with an alleged attempt to seize power by force, Kyrgyz lawyer Sherdor Abdykaparov said.
Afghan and Russian officials have discussed expanding political, economic and security cooperation during talks in Kabul, Afghan ministries said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment