Turkey has announced its readiness to deploy troops as part of an international peacekeeping task force in Gaza, signaling Ankara’s commitment to ensuring the implementation of the newly agreed ceasefire.
A source from Turkey’s Defense Ministry told AFP that “our Turkish armed forces, with their experience in establishing and maintaining peace, are ready for any task entrusted to them.”
The statement underscores Turkey’s willingness to play an active security role on the ground once the peace plan enters its operational phase.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Turkey will join a coordination team comprising the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to facilitate and monitor the ceasefire’s progress, engaging directly with both Israeli and Palestinian representatives.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey would participate in a “task force” to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire but did not elaborate on the specific deployment structure or timeline.
Ankara, alongside Egypt and Qatar, has been instrumental in mediating between Israel and Hamas throughout the negotiations. Turkish representatives were also part of the talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, where the first phase of the ceasefire agreement was reached.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) began withdrawing from several positions across the Gaza Strip on Friday morning, marking the first stage of the peace deal reached overnight.
According to a senior Gaza official quoted by AFP, Israeli troops have pulled out from parts of Gaza City and the southern city of Khan Younis.
Media reports in Israel confirmed that the pullback was underway in line with the ceasefire agreement, which gives the IDF 24 hours to reposition and retain control over approximately 53% of the enclave.
The phased withdrawal is designed to continue as long as the ceasefire holds. However, the Times of Israel reported that the movements were taking place “under the cover of artillery shelling and airstrikes,” despite the government’s declaration that the ceasefire was already in effect.
Under the terms of the deal, the current troop movements are expected to be completed by noon local time (0830 GMT), after which Hamas will have 72 hours to return all remaining hostages alive.
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