Turkish Rescue Team Awaits Israeli Approval at Gaza Border Amid Peacekeeping Mission Tensions

Turkey remains hopeful for participation in Gaza peacekeeping operations as rescue team faces delays.

A specialized Turkish disaster response team has been positioned at the Gaza border for over a week, still awaiting Israeli authorization to enter the Palestinian territory and assist with critical search and rescue operations, according to a Turkish defense ministry source on Thursday.

The 81-member contingent from Turkey's AFAD disaster management agency arrived at the border equipped with advanced search-and-rescue equipment, including life-detection devices and specialized search dogs. However, they cannot proceed without explicit approval from Israeli authorities.

"AFAD personnel continue to wait at the border. Israeli officials have yet to grant the necessary authorization for entry," the ministry source confirmed.

Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated significantly since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly opposing any Turkish presence within Gaza.

Ankara believes its position as a guarantor of the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement might provide sufficient leverage to secure participation in the international peacekeeping mission currently being assembled.

The Turkish defense ministry source indicated that efforts to establish a multinational task force are ongoing, with Turkey "maintaining contact" with international counterparts regarding potential participation. Turkish military forces remain "ready" to deploy if circumstances permit.

"Turkey played a key role in architecting the ceasefire and is a signatory to the agreement. We have completed all necessary preparations and are awaiting further developments," the source explained.

Earlier this week, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that only countries demonstrating "at least fair" treatment toward Israel would be permitted to contribute troops for Gaza security operations. He specifically excluded Turkey from consideration, citing its "hostile statements" and "diplomatic and economic measures" against Israel.

"It would be unreasonable for us to permit their armed forces to enter the Gaza Strip, and we will not consent to such an arrangement," Saar emphasized.