Israel has said it will not accept the presence of Turkish troops in the proposed international peacekeeping force for Gaza under a US-led plan.
Speaking at a press conference in Hungary, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that any country contributing troops to Gaza must show fairness toward Israel. He criticized Turkey’s stance, saying President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government had maintained a hostile approach toward Israel. “It is unacceptable for us to allow Turkish forces into Gaza. We have made this clear to our American friends,” Saar said.
Read more: Gaza peace efforts may include Pakistani troops, Israeli media says
His comments came days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also opposed any Turkish involvement in Gaza’s post-war security arrangements. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel alone would decide which foreign forces would be permitted to enter the enclave once a ceasefire and stabilization framework are finalized.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during his recent visit to Israel and Gaza that the international peacekeeping force should include only those countries trusted by Israel. Washington has ruled out sending American troops but has been in talks with Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Azerbaijan about possible participation.
Read more: Rubio Says Gaza Should Not Be Permanently Divided Amid Ongoing Strikes
Earlier, The Times of Israel reported that Pakistani troops might also be included in the planned Gaza peace force, alongside soldiers from Indonesia and Azerbaijan. However, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the Foreign Ministry would issue an official response if any such proposal were formally made.