A Turkish disaster relief team deployed near the Gaza border remains unable to enter the Palestinian territory as it continues to await approval from Israeli authorities, a source from Turkey’s Defence Ministry confirmed on Thursday. The 81-member team from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has been stationed near the border for over a week, equipped with advanced search-and-rescue tools, including life-detection devices and trained dogs, ready to assist in humanitarian operations across the war-torn region.
Israel Yet to Grant Entry Clearance to Turkish Team
According to the ministry source, “AFAD is still waiting at the border. Israel still did not issue any authorisation.” The delay comes as Gaza remains devastated after nearly two years of continuous Israeli bombardments, leaving much of the enclave in ruins and thousands of civilians in desperate need of aid.
Relations between Israel and Turkey have significantly deteriorated since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been staunchly opposed to any Turkish presence in Gaza, citing Ankara’s critical stance toward Israel’s military operations.
Despite these tensions, Turkey remains hopeful that its diplomatic role as a guarantor of the recent Gaza ceasefire could offer leverage, enabling its participation in the broader international peacekeeping mission being assembled to stabilize the area.
Turkey Seeks Role in Peacekeeping, Faces Israeli Resistance
The Turkish Defence Ministry source stated that efforts to form a multinational task force for Gaza are still underway, with Turkey “in contact” with relevant partners and “ready” to deploy when granted approval. “Turkey is one of the architects of the ceasefire and signed the agreement. We did all our preparations and are waiting,” the source emphasized.
However, Israel has signaled firm resistance. Earlier this week, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declared that only nations maintaining a “fair” stance toward Israel would be permitted to send troops to Gaza. He explicitly ruled out Turkey’s participation, accusing Ankara of “hostile statements” and “diplomatic and economic measures” against Israel. “It is not reasonable for us to let their armed forces enter the Gaza Strip, and we will not agree to that,” Saar added.
