Doha Gaza Talks Move Forward Without Israel and Türkiye

The United States has convened an international forum in Doha to discuss plans for a potential multinational stabilization force in Gaza, as international attention increasingly turns to post-conflict scenarios for the territory. While representatives from around 45 countries were involved in the talks, neither Israel nor Türkiye took part in the meeting, highlighting the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding future security arrangements.

The closed-door forum was hosted by Qatar and coordinated by U.S. Central Command, with discussions focused on early-stage planning rather than decision-making. According to officials familiar with the meeting, participants examined possible mandates, operational frameworks, and coordination mechanisms for an international presence in Gaza following a cessation of hostilities. No binding commitments were announced.

Broad Participation, Limited Commitments

The Doha talks brought together a wide range of countries from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Indonesia, several European Union member states, Canada, and the United States. Despite the breadth of participation, diplomats described the meeting as exploratory, aimed at exchanging views rather than formalizing a deployment plan.

Several participants stressed that any stabilization force would require a clear legal basis, broad international backing, and acceptance by regional actors. Without these elements, officials warned, a multinational force would struggle to operate effectively on the ground.

Qatar Stresses Impartiality

Qatar, which has played a central role in mediation efforts related to Gaza, underlined that any international force must act impartially and should not be perceived as serving the interests of one side over another. Qatari officials emphasized that a security-focused approach, if not paired with a credible political framework, would be unlikely to produce lasting stability.

This view echoes wider regional concerns that post-war planning for Gaza must go beyond security arrangements and address governance, reconstruction, and humanitarian needs.

Türkiye’s Absence Noted

Türkiye did not participate in the Doha forum. Ankara has been an active diplomatic actor on Gaza, consistently calling for a ceasefire, expanded humanitarian access, and a political solution based on Palestinian rights. While no official explanation was provided for Türkiye’s absence, its non-participation drew attention given its regional influence and engagement on the issue.

Turkish officials have previously argued that any sustainable framework for Gaza must be inclusive and enjoy broad regional legitimacy.

Israel Also Not Represented in Person

Israel was also not present at the meeting. Israeli leaders have expressed reservations about the idea of an international force in Gaza, maintaining that Israel must retain primary security responsibility to prevent future attacks. This position continues to complicate international discussions, as any stabilization arrangement would require at least tacit Israeli acceptance to function.

Planning Continues Amid Uncertainty

U.S. officials characterized the Doha forum as an initial step in a longer consultative process, acknowledging that significant political, legal, and security obstacles remain. Key questions—such as authorization, mandate, funding, and interaction with future Palestinian governance structures—remain unresolved.

As the conflict in Gaza continues, the Doha talks illustrate growing international efforts to prepare for a post-war scenario, while also underscoring the limitations of progress in the absence of key regional stakeholders, including both Israel and Türkiye.

For now, the concept of an international stabilization force remains under discussion, reflecting both the urgency of planning and the complex diplomatic realities shaping the region.