Israel Opposes Turkish Troops in Gaza Stabilisation Force

Turkey is likely to be excluded from the planned 5,000-strong Gaza stabilization force due to Israel's objection, stemming from tensions over Syria and Turkey's perceived closeness to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Despite Turkey's role as a guarantor of the Trump 20-point ceasefire and its powerful military, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to Turkish participation. The stabilization force, expected to be led by Egypt with contributions from countries like Indonesia and the UAE, aims to prevent a security vacuum during Gaza's reconstruction and will coordinate with a US-led Civil-Military Coordination Centre in southern Israel. Turkey remains a key actor in the cease-fire, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan having pressured Hamas to accept it, but he has harshly criticized Israel throughout the conflict and severed diplomatic ties. Additionally, Israel refuses the entry of international forces from Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt to search for bodies of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas, further highlighting strained relations. The formation of a transitional Palestinian government remains contested, with Netanyahu rejecting Palestinian Authority involvement and Palestinian factions agreeing to an independent technocratic committee.