ISTANBUL, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye appears keen to take on a broader role in implementing the Gaza ceasefire following its participation in the recent summit in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh.
The summit, held on Monday after a truce was declared in the war-torn Gaza Strip, convened leaders and representatives from over 20 countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Participants signed a joint declaration focused on consolidating the truce and launching coordinated reconstruction efforts.
Former Turkish diplomat and foreign policy analyst Gulru Gezer said Ankara's involvement is likely to focus first on overseeing and monitoring compliance with the ceasefire.
At the summit, Türkiye joined Egypt, Qatar, and the United States in signing a supporting document that designates the four nations as guarantors of the truce.
"Ankara is expected to use its strong ties with Palestinian factions, including Hamas, as well as its channels with Western and regional partners, to ensure continued compliance with the ceasefire," Gezer told Xinhua. She added that Türkiye will also monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the early implementation of the agreement.
Ankara also hopes to play an important role in reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, drawing on its experience in disaster recovery and large-scale infrastructure projects.
"With the ceasefire in place, it is imperative that humanitarian aid reach Gaza -- where a catastrophe has been unfolding -- and that reconstruction efforts begin without delay," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Türkiye will continue to provide substantial humanitarian aid in the period ahead."
On Thursday, Türkiye appointed Mehmet Gulluoglu, former head of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, as coordinator for Palestinian humanitarian aid to oversee relief operations and reconstruction planning.
Meanwhile, Birol Baskan, a political scientist specializing in Middle Eastern affairs, urged caution about Türkiye's possible security role in Gaza. While Ankara's participation in ceasefire monitoring and humanitarian aid appears certain, he said, its involvement in any long-term security arrangement remains unclear.
"Türkiye and the other guarantors have yet to define concrete commitments, leaving their respective roles ambiguous," Baskan told Xinhua.
He said Türkiye might eventually take part in an international monitoring mission or help establish a buffer zone between Gaza and Israel, possibly with Turkish troops involved. However, any broader role, such as guaranteeing Gaza's overall security, remains unlikely for now.
"Without Israel's consent, any Turkish deployment on the ground would be politically and operationally unsustainable," Baskan said. ■
