Israel Bars Turkish Troops from Gaza Ceasefire Force Amid Regional Tensions

Israel has firmly rejected the participation of Turkish armed forces in the international stabilization force proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza following two years of conflict with Hamas. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar cited Turkey's hostile stance under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan towards Israel as the primary reason for this refusal, emphasizing that any contributing country to the force must be fair to Israel. The U.S. plan includes deploying an international force to support peacekeeping and assist vetted Palestinian police, with no American troops expected to be deployed on the ground. While discussions continue with various countries including Arab states and Turkey about contributing troops, Israel insists on having the final say over which foreign forces may enter Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu has also opposed any Turkish security role, aligning with Saar's position. U.S. officials have stated that the international force's mandate should focus on peacekeeping rather than peace enforcement, reflecting concerns from Arab and Muslim nations.