On October 13, 2025, the world’s eyes turned to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held up a signed document at a summit dedicated to supporting the end of the two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The event, attended by regional leaders and international observers, marked a pivotal moment following a hard-won ceasefire deal that many hope will finally bring relief to the war-torn enclave of Gaza. Yet, as the dust settles, the question of what comes next for Gaza’s security and reconstruction has put Turkey and its president at the heart of a complex and evolving diplomatic dance.
According to The Times of Israel, Erdogan declared that Turkey could provide “any form of support” to Gaza, as discussions continue over the makeup of an international force to oversee security in the territory once Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) withdraw. Turkey has signaled its willingness to join a “task force” to implement the ceasefire and has offered to serve in either a military or civilian capacity, depending on what is needed. Erdogan’s government has also voiced its intention to play an active role in rebuilding Gaza, a task that will require enormous resources and coordination.
However, not everyone is on board with Turkey’s ambitions in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly indicated his opposition to any involvement by Turkish security forces in the Gaza Strip. Relations between Ankara and Jerusalem have deteriorated dramatically during the conflict, especially after Erdogan praised Hamas and accused Israel of “genocide”—a charge that Israel strenuously denies. This diplomatic chill has complicated efforts to build a consensus on Gaza’s future security arrangements.
Pressed for a response to Netanyahu’s objections, Erdogan struck a more conciliatory tone than usual. Rather than launching into the sharp criticism he’s become known for, he acknowledged the ongoing nature of the negotiations. “Talks are continuing on the task force that will work in Gaza. The modalities of this are not yet clear. As this is a multi-faceted issue, there are comprehensive negotiations. We are ready to provide Gaza any form of support on this issue,” Erdogan said, as reported by The Times of Israel. The Turkish leader’s softer stance suggests a recognition of the delicate balance required to move forward in the region.
Beyond security, the reconstruction of Gaza looms as an immense challenge. Erdogan has called on Gulf countries to step up and contribute financially, emphasizing that no single nation can shoulder the burden alone. “Nobody could single-handedly complete this task,” he reiterated, appealing for broader international involvement. This call for collective action reflects both the scale of Gaza’s devastation and the political sensitivities that surround any foreign presence in the territory.
While Turkey’s role in Gaza’s future is still being hashed out at the negotiating table, Erdogan has been busy on another front: strengthening his country’s military capabilities. On October 24, 2025, Erdogan announced that Turkey is negotiating with Qatar and Oman to acquire used Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. The move, reported by the Associated Press, is part of a broader effort to bolster the Turkish air force at a time of regional uncertainty and shifting alliances.
Turkey’s air force modernization plan is a stopgap measure until its own fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet—currently under development—becomes operational. According to Erdogan, “We discussed the ongoing negotiations with the Qatari and Omani sides regarding the purchase of Eurofighter warplanes. The talks on this technically detailed matter are progressing positively.” This statement, made during a flight home from a Gulf tour that included stops in Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, underscores the urgency Ankara feels in maintaining a credible deterrent.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, produced by a consortium of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, is a highly sought-after platform. In July 2025, Turkey and the United Kingdom signed a preliminary agreement for the sale of new Eurofighter Typhoons. However, with delivery timelines stretching years into the future, Turkey is also looking to source secondhand jets from Gulf nations to fill immediate gaps in its fleet.
During his three-day Gulf tour, Erdogan oversaw the signing of several agreements, including in the defense sector, though his office has not provided specifics. The push for Eurofighters is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Turkey, a NATO member, is also seeking to rejoin the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program after being removed in 2019 due to its purchase of Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems—a decision that Washington said posed security risks to the F-35 program.
Erdogan brought up Turkey’s reentry into the F-35 program during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House last month. Turkish officials have stated that Ankara’s transitional air fleet plan includes acquiring a total of 120 fighter jets: 40 Eurofighters, 40 U.S.-made F-16s, and 40 F-35s. This fleet is meant to bridge the gap until the KAAN is expected to enter service in 2028 at the earliest.
The military buildup comes at a time when Turkey is asserting itself as a key regional player. Its willingness to contribute to Gaza’s security and reconstruction, coupled with its drive to modernize its armed forces, signals Ankara’s ambition to play a more influential role in Middle Eastern affairs. Yet, these moves are not without controversy. Israel’s reluctance to accept Turkish involvement in Gaza reflects deep-seated mistrust, while Turkey’s arms acquisitions raise questions among NATO allies about its long-term strategic orientation.
For Turkey, the stakes are high on multiple fronts. Domestically, Erdogan’s government faces pressure to demonstrate both diplomatic clout and military readiness. Internationally, Ankara must navigate a web of alliances and rivalries, balancing its relationships with Western partners, Gulf states, and regional adversaries. The outcome of these efforts will likely shape not just the future of Gaza, but the broader security architecture of the Middle East.
As negotiations over Gaza’s post-war future continue, and as Turkey moves to upgrade its air force, the coming months will test Erdogan’s diplomatic finesse and the country’s ability to turn ambition into tangible results. The world, meanwhile, watches closely—aware that the path forward is as fraught with peril as it is with possibility.