Turkey said that its disaster management team is still waiting for Israel’s approval to enter Gaza and take part in finding the remains of hostages still unaccounted for, according to AFP.
Turkish Rescue Team
The 81-member team from the Disaster Management Authority (AFAD) deployed to the Gaza border just over a week ago, and they are ready to help with search and rescue operations through specialized technologies and advanced capabilities.
The team is currently waiting by the border with state-of-the-art search-and-rescue tools, such as life-detection systems and trained search dogs.
However, AFAD team needs an approval from the Israeli authorities to enter the Palestinian enclave.
“AFAD is still waiting at the border. Israel still did not issue any authorization” for the team to enter, a defense ministry source said Thursday.
In recent years, AFAD has implemented rescue and humanitarian aid missions in over 50 countries on five continents, including Somalia, the Palestinian territories, Ecuador, the Philippines, Nepal, Yemen, Mozambique, and Chad.
Turkey Eyes Seat
Notably, Turkey seeks to play a key role in Gaza as a guarantor of the recent ceasefire deal brokered by the United States.
Ankara also hopes that this role will enable it to secure a seat at the table in the international peacekeeping mission currently being put together.
The source also noted that discussions to form the task force are still underway, mentioning that Ankara is “still in contact” with counterparts regarding its involvement.
It added that Turkish military are ready to join the mission if needed.
“Turkey is one of the architects of the ceasefire and signed the agreement. We did all our preparations and are waiting,” the source said.
Israel Bars Turkey
However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated earlier this week that the only troops that will participate in securing Gaza are those who were “at least fair” to Israel.
Therefore, he excluded Turkey from the mission over its “hostile statements” and “diplomatic and economic measures” against Israel.
“It is not reasonable for us to let their armed forces enter (the) Gaza Strip, and we will not agree to that,” he added.
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