ISTANBUL
Addressing possible Turkish involvement in the planned international stabilization force in Gaza, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Monday that countries will decide on troop deployment depending on the wording of an expected UN Security Council resolution.
“What the countries we’ve spoken with have said is this: they will decide whether or not to send troops based on the content of the definition in the resolution expected from the UN Security Council,” Fidan told a news conference after hosting a meeting on Gaza in Istanbul attended by foreign ministers from Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, and representatives from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Noting that discussions and various efforts are ongoing, Fidan said a key issue emphasized by countries is the establishment of a force whose mandate and legitimacy are defined within the framework of a UN Security Council resolution.
“Countries will largely decide based on the mandate and authorities of the international stabilization force. I believe it would be difficult for them to send troops if the mandate conflicts with their own principles and policies,” he added.
Fidan said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks on the issue “clearly show” that Türkiye is ready to step up for peace and make any necessary sacrifices.
“However, it is also important that the resulting documents and framework are, frankly, of a nature that we can support. Therefore, our diplomatic contacts and efforts on this issue are continuing,” he added.
He underlined that, in the process of defining the force’s mandate, first a general consensus must be reached on a draft, and then it must be approved by the UN Security Council without being vetoed by the council’s permanent members, adding that Türkiye and partner countries are continuing their efforts at every stage of the process.
‘Sensitive’ process
Highlighting that this is a sensitive process, Fidan said: “We need to be very careful during this process.
“Any step taken to resolve the Palestinian issue should not create a structural basis that, while solving a current problem, may cause new difficulties in the future. We are paying close attention to this.”
Asked how governance in Gaza will be shaped and the international community’s views on the matter, Fidan said: “Essentially, there is a consensus among us on this issue. Neither we nor the Palestinians have any problem with it. Israel and other influential international actors, however, have a different perspective. Diplomatic negotiations, disputes, and groundwork are currently underway to reconcile these two differing views.”
Fidan highlighted the importance of the text to be drafted and the system to be established, including whose priorities will be addressed.
“Our principle is that Palestinians should govern themselves, and the Palestinians should ensure their own security,” he added.
He urged the international community to provide diplomatic, institutional, and economic support to implement this effectively, noting that some adjustments need to be made carefully and that they are seeking more creative solutions.
“Currently, there is a ceasefire, but when you try to move toward a more lasting solution, the deeply opposing differences at the core of the Palestinian issue resurface. These are disagreements that have remained unresolved for years.
“In addition, after two years of genocide and war, a new mindset and security perception have formed,” Fidan said, adding that resolving these issues with a new system will take time and that they will continue working with partners.
Governance under Gaza peace plan
Asked about the planned governance in Gaza, Fidan said: “Whatever document is prepared or initiative is taken, first of all, the long-established and accepted definition of the Palestinian issue must not change.
“At the end of the day, a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and the implementation of a two-state solution is, frankly, the internationally recognized definition of the Palestinian issue under both international law and practice.”
He noted that Israel has never accepted this view nor shown willingness to do so, while the overwhelming majority of the international community, including Türkiye, accepts it.
Fidan underlined that their first priority is ending the crimes against humanity in Gaza and ensuring continuation of the ceasefire as soon as possible.
“However, we hope this is a temporary moment, because the general definition of the Palestinian issue must not be allowed to be altered using this situation. Therefore, diplomatic caution and careful attention are needed here,” he added.
Highlighting the need for reconstruction in Gaza and for people to return, Fidan added: “While doing this, no one wants a new tutelage system to emerge. We see that countries raise concerns about steps taken to rebuild Gaza and ensure peace and security, out of concern that it might turn into such a system.”
Worldwide support
Fidan said recent Gaza-focused meetings, including the September New York session with US President Donald Trump and the Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt summit last month, have initiated a new process, generating worldwide support.
Under the agreements, hostage and prisoner exchanges have begun, humanitarian aid has started entering Gaza, Israeli forces have partially withdrawn, and returns to northern Gaza have taken place.
He noted challenges in fully implementing the agreement, highlighting that Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire and blocked aid deliveries, which should include 600 trucks and 50 fuel tankers daily. Fidan stressed the international community must continue pressuring Israel, noting that nearly 250 Gazans have been killed since the ceasefire.
On Gaza’s governance, Fidan said Hamas is ready to transfer authority to a Palestinian-led committee, and arrangements must protect Palestinian rights while remaining resilient.
Fidan underlined that Gaza’s reconstruction is critical to reviving Palestinian hope and unity, strengthening its international representation.
He called for patience, determination, and international coordination, warning that no actions should sabotage the ceasefire or the path toward a two-state solution.
