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Türkiye signals readiness for Gaza multinational task force during NATO meeting
Türkiye has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian efforts in Gaza and announced the readiness of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to join a multinational task force to be established in the region. Defense Minister Yaşar Güler highlighted this stance during the NATO defense ministers' meeting held in Brussels on Wednesday.
Türkiye’s role within NATO
Speaking at the meeting, Güler emphasized Türkiye's significant contributions to NATO, ranking among the top five nations providing forces to the alliance. He outlined Türkiye's efforts in strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense posture, including modernization of its armed forces, meeting the 5% defense spending target, and supporting NATO operations and missions.
Güler expressed satisfaction with the cease-fire reached in Gaza, calling it a significant step toward a fair two-state solution. He stressed Türkiye's commitment to ensuring the cease-fire holds, facilitating uninterrupted humanitarian aid, and participating in international defense initiatives such as the European Security Action Program (SAFE).
“Türkiye has been a NATO ally for over 70 years, and we continue to contribute both nationally and at the alliance level on a range of issues, from regional security to European defense,” Güler stated.
Diplomatic engagements and agreements
During the Brussels meeting, Güler held bilateral discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey. He also participated in trilateral talks with his Romanian and Bulgarian counterparts to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
Türkiye signed a letter of intent regarding the Fires Center of Excellence and a memorandum on the Distributed Synthetic Training High Visibility Project, showcasing its commitment to advancing NATO's collective capabilities.
Supporting peace in Gaza
The Defense Ministry, in a separate statement on Thursday, welcomed the Gaza cease-fire, expressing hope that it would pave the way for a comprehensive and sustainable peace, ultimately contributing to a two-state solution. The ministry reiterated Türkiye's commitment to providing humanitarian aid and emphasized the importance of international efforts to ensure the cease-fire remains intact.
Counterterrorism operations
On domestic and regional security, the ministry reported continued counterterrorism efforts against the PKK. Over the past week, one PKK terrorist surrendered, and 672 kilometers of tunnels used by terrorists in Syria were destroyed. In border operations, 272 individuals attempting illegal crossings were apprehended, while 1,020 were prevented from crossing. Since the beginning of the year, 7,743 individuals have been detained for illegal crossings, while 53,892 have been prevented. Additionally, security forces seized 94 kilograms of drugs in border operations across Iğdır, Hakkari, and Van provinces.
The ministry reiterated its determination to dismantle the PKK and its affiliates, stressing that operations will continue until the group is fully dissolved.
