After nearly two years of Israeli resistance, Turkey has become a key player in Gaza talks; With Trump’s backing, Ankara now holds a central role in the ceasefire deal — but experts warn Erdogan’s ambitions could backfire

Now, as the implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan advances and talks move toward a second phase of the agreement, Turkey’s involvement is no longer in question. By Trump’s initiative, Ankara was brought into the negotiations through the front door — and its participation became crucial in sealing the deal that led to the current ceasefire.

Erdogan signed the accord this week at the “Peace Summit” in Sharm el-Sheikh alongside Trump, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. Turkey will also take part in the international task force helping to locate the remains of hostages held in Gaza.

Trump trusts Erdogan: “He’ll bring order”

Despite Ankara’s newfound role, Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have not softened their rhetoric toward Israel. On Monday, during the Sharm summit, Turkish media reported that Erdogan threatened to cancel his attendance and return home if Netanyahu appeared. His plane even briefly diverted before landing in Egypt, turning back only after Netanyahu canceled his participation.

Before the first hostages were released, Erdogan accused Israel of having “a long history of breaking promises after ceasefire agreements.” Later, he urged Washington to “keep up the pressure on the Israeli government,” adding, “It’s vital that the agreement is implemented and that the U.S. maintains its leverage over Israel.”

Given Erdogan’s open identification with the Muslim Brotherhood, Turkey’s growing foothold in Gaza and its involvement in postwar diplomacy are raising alarm in Jerusalem.

According to Dr. Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), “For a long time, Israel strongly opposed any Turkish involvement in Gaza’s ‘day after.’ But due to Trump’s pressure — and because U.S.-Turkey relations are at a high point — Trump seems to trust Erdogan to bring some order to the Middle East.”

She explained that Turkey’s leverage over Hamas made it an essential player: “Because Turkey and Qatar host Hamas and facilitate its logistics and funding, Erdogan was able to pressure the organization. That helped clinch the deal.”

“Turkey is seen as one of the actors that contributed to the agreement,” Lindenstrauss continued. “This opened the door to deeper Turkish involvement in Gaza — something Ankara has long sought and considers a major diplomatic success.”

Still, she warned, “Turkey is a hostile actor toward Israel, both in rhetoric and in deeds. This development is not desirable for Israel. Yes, Turkey has peacekeeping experience and a professional military, but allowing it a major role in Gaza goes against Israeli interests. Israel has tried to limit Turkey’s influence in southern Syria; giving it access through Gaza is strategically dangerous.”

“A game changer”

Dr. Rami Daniel, another INSS researcher and Turkey expert, said Ankara’s involvement was “critical” to securing the ceasefire. “Erdogan wanted to be seen as a relevant and powerful player,” he said. “In the past, Turkey funneled large amounts of aid to Gaza and took pride in its opposition to Israel — more than any other country. But that strategy failed. Even countries hostile to Israel didn’t follow Turkey’s lead. Until recently, Erdogan couldn’t position himself as a key mediator — but Trump changed that by bringing Turkey and Qatar together. It was a game changer.”

“Hamas eventually realized it was cornered,” Daniel added. “Iran supported it militarily, Qatar politically and financially, and Turkey logistically and diplomatically. When that triangle collapsed, Hamas had no choice. Turkey’s engagement was crucial to break the deadlock — but it comes at a price for Israel. Erdogan hasn’t changed his tone. He still boosts Hamas’ legitimacy and calls to pressure Israel instead. Turkey helped with phase one — the hostage releases — but the next phase, the long-term arrangement, will be much harder with Ankara involved.”

“Erdogan has dreamed of a role in Gaza since Oct. 7”

As for Turkey’s future involvement, Lindenstrauss said, “We don’t yet know the full scope of what Turkey’s role will be, but Ankara’s statements are increasingly grandiose. Turkish officials even said their troops could be deployed to Gaza if necessary. For now, it’s clear Turkey will take part in the mission to locate the remains of hostages, and possibly monitor the ceasefire.”

Last week, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said, “Our forces, experienced in establishing and maintaining peace, are ready for any mission assigned to them.”

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