Turkey readies military brigade for Gaza stabilisation force

The Turkish government is finalising plans that would result in the deployment of hundreds of soldiers to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping force, as negotiations with the US and Israel continue on the issue, Middle East Eye can reveal.

Sources familiar with the matter told MEE that a peacekeeping brigade, estimated to include at least 2,000 soldiers, has been drafting personnel from across the country in recent weeks. The contingent, which would join the international stabilisation force in Gaza alongside other partner countries, is set to be made up of soldiers from multiple army branches with prior peacekeeping and conflict-zone experience.

The Gaza peace plan, brokered by US President Donald Trump, envisions Turkey as one of the lead countries to take over large swathes of territory in the Palestinian enclave from Hamas.

But the Israeli government opposes the move, Washington is yet to make a decision and a UN resolution has not been passed.

“There will be no Turkish boots on the ground,” Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters on Sunday. Turkish sources say the hesitation stems from Israel’s reluctance to accept a strong Nato ally operating under a UN mandate - which has not yet been granted - in the enclave.

Ankara seeks to play a direct role in post-war reconstruction and security arrangements in Gaza, aiming to contribute to ceasefire implementation and humanitarian recovery efforts under a UN-led framework.

While tensions with Israel remain high, Turkey reportedly played a role in returning Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin’s remains to Israel, 11 years after he was killed in Gaza.

A senior Turkish official told Israeli journalist Barak Ravid that Ankara facilitated the handover after intensive efforts, reflecting Hamas’s clear commitment to the ceasefire.

The official also indicated that Ankara has been trying to broker a deal in return for the handover to ensure the safe passage of around 200 Hamas fighters currently trapped in tunnels in Gaza, which is under Israeli control.

Turkish officials told MEE that nearly a thousand Turkish soldiers from the land forces have already volunteered to join the proposed Gaza mission brigade, with additional personnel from engineering, logistics and explosive ordnance disposal units expected to participate.

It remains unclear whether naval units will join the mission, which Turkish officials expect to function as a joint task force involving multiple nations.

“This will be a coordinated international effort, not a unilateral deployment,” one Turkish official told MEE. Turkish security officials argue that Ankara’s participation would help stabilise Gaza and prevent future escalations. “Turkey’s presence would ensure balance and credibility on the ground,” a separate Turkish official said.

A final decision on the scope and mandate of the force is expected following consultations between the UN and regional stakeholders in the coming weeks. “Israel wants the Gaza stabilisation force structured so that Tel Aviv can undermine its influence and reverse peace efforts whenever it chooses,” another Turkish source familiar with the issue told MEE.

MEE has contacted the Turkish defence ministry for comment.