At the Doha forum, which took place on the 6^th and 7^th December, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed his opinion on the situation in Gaza, fueling intense debates among the international community. Turkey, in fact, advocates for a more just and effective intervention in the Gaza Strip, criticizing the International Stabilization Force’s (I.S.F.) approach.

With its growing exposure to the question, Turkey may soon play a key role in the resolution of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, affirming itself as a power that can play a role in the region’s stabilization process.

Fidan stressed the importance of the I.S.F. to reassess its priorities, urging, as reported by the Guardian, the separation of Israeli troops and Hamas. Such a matter, as claimed by the minister, has priority over the disarmament of the Palestinian Group, which “cannot be the first stage of the process.”  Those stances, as Reuters claimed, were topped with concerns for Israel’s conduct, which, by violating the ceasefire, keeps undermining the implementation of the U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire plan. Such an outcome, said Fidan, would represent a “huge failure.”  Tensions with Israel are further reflected in its opposition to the pledge advanced by Indonesia and Azerbaijan, which offered to contribute troops and requested Turkey’s involvement in the matter. This request, which seeks to allow Turkey to join the planned U.N.-backed force and deploy forces in critical areas of conflict, faced strong opposition from Israel, which currently seeks to veto it.

This recent declaration stresses Turkey’s burgeoning role in bringing an end to the conflict, paving the way to become a hegemonic power in the M.E.N.A. region.

Turkey has seen the current regional tensions as an opportunity to affirm its influence, appearing as a moderate interlocutor able to influence the conflict’s dynamics. Its criticism of Israeli conduct is widely supported by the international community, especially by powers in the M.E.N.A. region, which could soon see Turkey as the perfect actor to balance current tensions in the area.

Solid ties with President Trump further underline Ankara’s adaptability, representing a potential bridge between the Middle East and Western powers.

Israel is far from reassured by these developments, especially considering Turkey’s recent contribution to the U.S.-backed ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas. Ankara, as Reuters reports, served as mediator and negotiator with Hamas officials, showcasing its diplomatic ability and effort to normalize relations.  Its ties with Hamas, often viewed as controversial, turned into a geopolitical asset Washington could not help but notice. After the signing of the agreement, President Trump defined Turkey as “a reliable ally,” praising President Erdogan’s actions.

Although the evolution of these dynamics remains uncertain, Turkey currently emerges as a rising power in the region, able perhaps to shape Gaza’s future and the broader region’s dynamics. Solid relations with President Trump represent an interesting evolution–which further stresses Ankara’s growing political role– that Turkey could use to emerge as a leading power in the global system. Yet Turkey’s rise clashes with Israel’s strategic interests, now deeply threatened by strengthening U.S.-Turkish ties, risking, if not correctly balanced, further destabilizing the region’s delicate dynamics.