Erdogan Is Wrong: Any Role for Turkey in Gaza’s Future Would Be A Disaster, Says U.S. Pro-Israel Group

Jan 8, 2026 by Susan Rosenbluth

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, Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI) has stated.

AFSI’s remarks are in response to Erdogan’s comments to Bloomberg: “The success of the International Stabilization Force to be deployed in Gaza depends on the inclusion of actors that have legitimacy on the ground. It should be known that the countries party to the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration, including Turkiye, are the most legitimate actors in this process.”

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

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

Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI) shared the following reasons for objecting to allowing 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 Erdogan 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 Erdogan 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.