site.btaTurkish Military Personnel May Join International Mission to Monitor Hamas-Israel Ceasefire

Turkish military personnel may join an international mission to monitor the ceasefire agreed between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip, according to Turkish media reports. 

The Haberler website reports that this structure, which will include Turkish soldiers, will be formed with the participation of various countries, and Turkiye will participate in areas such as humanitarian aid, assessment of casualties, and monitoring of the ceasefire.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in Paris on Thursday in Paris that a team composed of the United States, Egypt, Turkiye, and Qatar will play the role of mediator responsible for ensuring the implementation of the details of the agreement and will discuss them with both sides - Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas.

As the pro-government newspaper Yeni Safak recalls, the ceasefire process will take place within the framework of a three-stage plan that will include humanitarian, political, and military aspects. Turkiye will participate in all three stages, playing an active role in civil coordination and military oversight. In this context, steps are planned to be taken within the framework of the UN or NATO if a potential security initiative is necessary.

According to the publication, in the first stage, Turkiye is expected to take on the tasks of opening corridors for the delivery of humanitarian aid, searching for people, and monitoring compliance with the ceasefire.

Abdullah Guler, chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party, said on state television and radio TRT Haber that a proposal will be submitted to Parliament to grant Turkish military personnel the authority to participate in the Gaza mission. According to him, the proposal, which is being worked on by the Ministry of National Defence and the National Intelligence Organization, will set the duration and number of Turkish troops in the mission. It is expected to be submitted for a vote by Turkish MPs as soon as possible. If the proposal is approved and enters into force, it will mean that after 105 years, Turkiye will return to Palestine and a new page will be turned, the Turkish MP added.