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Since the start of the Gaza war, Turkiye has taken an assertive and proactive stance, engaging in both regional and international initiatives that aimed at ending the Israeli aggression. Over the past two years, Ankara has strongly backed all the Arab-led efforts, closing ranks with the regional states, particularly ������Ƶ, Qatar, Egypt and Syria, to present a united front. This approach has not only strengthened Turkiye’s ties with Arab nations but also with the US administration.

As a result of these efforts, Turkiye was one of four countries that signed a US-led joint statement on the Gaza ceasefire agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday. Alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the statement was signed by US President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

But what paved the way for Turkiye to secure a seat at the table? The groundwork was laid during a closed-door meeting between Trump and the leaders of several Muslim and Arab nations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month. Notably, Erdogan was seated prominently next to Trump, offering early signs of Washington’s expectations from Ankara regarding the Gaza agreement. Following this gathering, Erdogan held a one-to-one meeting with Trump, during which Gaza was discussed in greater detail.

In the aftermath, Turkiye, alongside Qatar and Egypt, began efforts to encourage Hamas to respond positively to the US-backed ceasefire proposal. A key figure in these efforts was Ibrahim Kalin, the head of Turkiye’s National Intelligence Organization, who played a central role in the behind-the-scenes negotiations held in Doha. His involvement signalled Turkiye’s official inclusion in the mediation talks.

Turkiye, alongside Qatar and Egypt, encouraged Hamas to respond positively to the US-backed ceasefire proposal

Dr. Sinem Cengiz

According to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Ankara was specifically asked by Washington to use its leverage to help ensure Hamas agreed to the proposal. The Turkish leadership views Gaza not only as a strategic issue but also as a matter of domestic importance. Palestine is one of the few issues on which all major political parties in Turkiye are united. Turkish people are sensitive to the Palestinian cause and the Gaza war deepened their negative sentiments toward Israel.

Through a series of backchannel diplomatic efforts, Turkiye ultimately emerged as one of the guarantors of the Gaza deal. This was not only due to its proactive diplomacy in the region, but also the personal relationship that Erdogan and Trump have developed. Trump has praised Erdogan, saying: “He’s always there when I need him. He’s such a tough guy; tough as you can be, but he is my friend.”

This is classic Trump-style diplomacy: simple, direct and transactional. He prefers to deal with leaders who he believes are strong and responsive, and he expects matters to be handled in the same straightforward manner. In his view, there are only a few countries in the region with which the US can maintain workable, pragmatic relationships — and Turkiye is one of them. The Gaza deal is a good example.

Turkiye’s inclusion in both the negotiations and the execution of the deal can be seen as a significant diplomatic achievement. However, the real question now is: What role will Turkiye play moving forward? And, most importantly, does Turkiye have a long-term strategy to navigate any potential setbacks? Well, we will see the answers to these questions during the process. However, it is important to highlight what Turkiye has pledged so far and what challenges may lie ahead in fulfilling those commitments.

Turkiye’s inclusion in both the negotiations and the execution of the deal was a significant diplomatic achievement

Dr. Sinem Cengiz

Firstly, it wants the full implementation of the deal, in which a four-party guarantor system is established to ensure compliance, monitor ceasefire breaches and manage prisoner exchanges. Secondly, Turkiye aims to take part in the multinational task force to monitor ceasefire breaches. Thirdly, it seeks to be involved in the reconstruction and revitalization of Gaza.

According to reports, the task force will include 200 American troops, alongside units from Turkiye, the UAE, Egypt and Qatar. Turkiye will also help locate the remains of Israeli hostages believed to have died in Hamas custody. It has an experienced team assigned to identifying unclaimed bodies that has previously worked in Syria.

However, the deployment of Turkish troops to Gaza would require parliamentary approval. As in past cases, such as deployments to Qatar, Libya, Somalia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Lebanon, Turkiye was only able to proceed after the Grand National Assembly approved a motion, typically signed by Erdogan.

On Oct. 10, the Defense Ministry stated that the country’s armed forces were ready to take on such a mission. Turkiye also activated its key humanitarian institutions, which could play a critical role in implementing humanitarian measures and ensuring security. Aid trucks from Turkiye have already started to enter Gaza in recent days.

Ankara is a regional power that effectively blends hard power through military force with soft power through diplomacy and mediation. Thus, one issue that may constrain the extent of its involvement is the strained ties between Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Turkiye reportedly rejected, with the support of other nations, the presence of Netanyahu at the Gaza summit in Egypt. Another issue may be Gaza’s reconstruction, which requires collective action. Turkiye needs to carefully maintain a collaborative strategy with other regional and international actors in the task force.

Turkiye is ready to take on the required responsibilities; however, in practice, its exact role in Gaza remains to be seen because the tasks are yet to be assigned and mechanisms are yet to be formed, while regional dynamics should be carefully followed.

• Dr. Sinem Cengiz is a Turkish political analyst who specializes in Turkiye’s relations with the Middle East. X: @SinemCngz