Turkey ready to participate in Gaza peacekeeping mission

Discussions are underway regarding the Turkish army's participation in a peacekeeping mission in the Gaza Strip, AFP reported on Thursday, citing  a source within the Turkish defence ministry.

"We are in contact with our counterparts regarding our participation in the mission that will be created in Gaza," the official said, adding that "a military-civilian coordination centre has been created with a view to establishing an operational force in Gaza".

"Within this structure, it is planned to create an International Stabilisation Force responsible for security patrols, protection of civilian infrastructure, humanitarian aid, border security, training of local security forces and monitoring the ceasefire," he added.

"The level of Turkey's participation in these structures remains to be determined," the official noted, adding that details could be communicated next week.

Israel is said to be opposed to the presence of Turkey in a peacekeeping force. Asked about Israeli opposition to a Turkish military presence in Gaza, the official replied: "A ceasefire agreement exists and Turkey is one of its guarantors."