December 12, 2025 | 07:19 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, suggested that Turkey should be involved in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. He made this statement at the Jerusalem Post conference in Washington.
According to a report from Anadolu, quoting Israeli journalist Amichai Stein, on Thursday, December 11, Barrack assessed Turkey's military capacity and its communication channels with Hamas, which made Ankara an important partner for the post-war mechanism.
"Our suggestion was that since the Turks have the largest and most effective ground troop operation in the region, and since they have a dialogue with Hamas, perhaps that would be beneficial as part of the force to cool the temperature," Barrack said.
Barrack added that the ISF is an essential element in the ceasefire plan, designed as a framework for Gaza's transition.
Ceasefire Framework
As reported by TRT World, the ceasefire took effect on October 10, based on a plan proposed by President Donald Trump. The agreement halted two years of Israeli attacks that have killed over 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 171,000 others since October 2023.
The first phase of the agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees. The plan includes an agenda for Gaza's reconstruction and the establishment of a new governance mechanism that excludes Hamas.
UN Resolution 2803 forms the basis for Gaza's transition. The document establishes the Peace Council, ISF, and a new administrative committee to manage governance in the region during the recovery period.
Turkey's Response
The Turkish government has repeatedly expressed its willingness to play a role in the ISF. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated last week, "Ankara is prepared to 'do whatever it takes' to support the peace process."
Speaking at the Doha Forum, Fidan emphasized that several countries want Turkey to be involved because of its ability to play a key role and provide broader legitimacy for the mission.
He also mentioned that Turkey is coordinating with Indonesia and Azerbaijan, as well as various Arab and Muslim partners, on post-war arrangements.
Turkey is open to deploying forces, but Fidan emphasized that the final decision will align with the positions and consensus of all parties involved.
Israel's Rejection
The U.S. pressure for Turkey's involvement in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) has sparked tension with Israel, as reported by i24NEWS.
Although Washington appears open to Ankara's request, Israeli officials are reported to take a firm stance against Turkish military presence in the region.
A senior Israeli source told i24NEWS on Tuesday, "The foot of a Turkish soldier will not set foot in Gaza."
This warning comes amid increasing political sensitivity in Israel, considering President Erdogan's past ties with senior Hamas figures and the visibility of this issue in the election year.
Turkey has played a significant role in the first phase of the Gaza agreement, including efforts to secure the release of hostages from Hamas.
Israel has directly communicated its position to senior U.S. officials, including Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and President Trump, indicating that Turkey's presence in Gaza is unacceptable.
In response, U.S. officials emphasized that the ISF will be a multinational force operating under the Peace Council.
"The United States is assessing needs and working to partner with countries capable of supporting and implementing the 20-point plan," a spokesperson reiterated President Trump's statement on Truth Social about the upcoming announcement.
Read: Hamas Open to Weapon Freeze, Refuses to Disarm
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