No Turkish ‘Peacekeepers’ Should Be Deployed to Gaza

NEW YORK – A leading pro-Israel organization has come out strongly against the deployment of Turkish soldiers to Gaza as part of a future International Stabilization Force for Gaza. It is time for diplomats to realize that nations that have a documented history of providing Hamas with a safe haven, political support, financial aid, and/or material assistance must not be granted any role in rebuilding Gaza, according to Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI).

“Perversely, Turkey has long viewed Hamas as a ‘liberation movement’ and does not designate Hamas as a terrorist organization,” stated Moshe Phillips, Chairman of Americans for a Safe Israel. “These facts alone should rule out Turkey from having any role in Gaza.”

According to news reports, Turkey is preparing an army brigade of approximately 2,000 soldiers that it seeks to deploy in Gaza.

Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI) shared the following additional reasons for objecting to Turkish army troops in Gaza:

• Hamas has used Turkey as a hub to coordinate terrorist activities, recruit terrorists, and manage extensive financial networks involving real estate and other businesses. Both the U.S. and Israeli security services have uncovered numerous plots and financial operations tied to Hamas activities on Turkish soil.
• Since 2011, Turkey has hosted senior Hamas leaders following the Gilad Shalit hostage for a prisoner swap with Israel. High-ranking Hamas officials have frequently met with Turkish President Erdoğan and Turkish intelligence. Some senior Hamas terrorist leaders, including former leader Ismail Haniyeh (prior to his July 2024 killing) have even been granted Turkish citizenship.
• The AKP—Turkey’s ruling party—and Hamas share ideological roots in the Muslim Brotherhood. President Erdoğan is a vocal critic of Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas-led terrorist invasion of Israel, and he has used his platform to offer political support to Hamas in the international arena.

“Peacekeepers must be trusted by all sides if they are to function effectively,” stated AFSI’s Moshe Phillips. “Given Turkey’s history, Israel cannot reasonably be expected to view these soldiers as neutral actors. Nor should the United States do so.”