Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declared on October 28, 2025, in Budapest that Turkey will have zero involvement in the US-proposed international stabilization force for Gaza, citing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's persistent hostility toward Israel. The force, outlined in President Donald Trump's 20-point ceasefire deal signed earlier this month in Egypt, aims to monitor Hamas disarmament, train vetted Palestinian police, and secure stability as Israeli troops withdraw in phases. Saar stressed that contributing nations must be "at least fair to Israel," a direct jab at Ankara's pro-Hamas stance and Erdogan's repeated genocide accusations against Jerusalem.

The ceasefire, effective since October 10, has seen steady progress in hostage-body exchanges: 17 Israeli remains returned from Gaza so far, with 12 still pending recovery aided by Egyptian search teams in Khan Younis. Israel has handed over 195 Palestinian bodies, many unidentified and buried in Deir al-Balah. The initial phase also freed Gaza's last 20 living hostages for roughly 2,000 Palestinian detainees—mostly uncharged Gaza residents plus 250 convicted attackers. No American boots will hit Gaza soil, but 200 US troops in Israel coordinate with allies on reconstruction planning.

Arab and Muslim nations demand clarity, insisting the mandate be peacekeeping—not enforcement between Israel and Hamas. Jordan's King Abdullah II warned in a BBC interview that "peace-enforcing" roles would scare off participants. US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel last week, reported strong interest from multiple countries and are pushing for a UN mandate. Jordan and Egypt, with deep experience, will guide Palestinian police training.

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Turkey's bid collapsed under Israeli opposition. Erdogan signed Trump's Gaza vision in Egypt alongside Qatar and Egypt's leaders, pledging full support. Ankara prepared troops for peacekeeping or aid, leveraging ties with Hamas—hosting its political wing and rejecting terror labels. Relations with Israel, once close, have cratered since the war began with Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack, with Erdogan likening Netanyahu to Hitler.

As Phase One continues with 400 daily aid trucks and body recoveries, Phase Two hinges on the force's deployment. Gulf states eye funding Gaza's rebuild but demand Israeli guarantees against re-escalation. Netanyahu affirmed Israel's veto over troop composition, backed by Washington. Saar's hard line tests the truce's durability amid fragile regional trust.

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