United Nations peacekeepers urged by Turkey's political ally for deployment in Gaza
In a passionate address, Devlet Bahçeli, the head of Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), has called on the United Nations to intervene and deploy peacekeepers to the Gaza Strip to halt the ongoing humanitarian crisis[1]. Bahçeli's speech, delivered amidst the backdrop of Israel's military operations in Gaza, was a powerful condemnation of what he described as a "barbaric blockade" and a "genocidal" plan aimed at occupying and annexing Gaza[1].
Bahçeli's words were not just a call for action, but a plea for justice, framing Turkey as a moral actor with a historical heritage and strategic vision to secure a better future for the Palestinian people[2]. He emphasised the urgency of the situation, warning that any delay in action would have "disastrous consequences" for the population of Gaza, who are currently facing hunger, thirst, shortages of medicine, and "all kinds of despicable oppression"[1].
In his address, Bahçeli also expressed support for Hamas, describing their resistance as an "honorable struggle" with "legitimate and justified reasons" that deserves international backing[1]. He condemned Israel's military campaign in the Gaza Strip, referring to it as a "massacre", and urged the international community to act "on political, military, and moral grounds" to prevent further civilian deaths[1][2].
However, as of mid-August 2025, there has been no public indication from the UN or major international powers showing deployment of peacekeepers to Gaza in response to Bahçeli’s call[3]. The international community, including human rights organizations and UN offices, have condemned the violence and journalist killings in Gaza, but the situation on the ground remains dire[3].
Bahçeli's stance also reflects Turkey's complex regional positioning, with him being perceived as part of Turkey's "deep state" and hard-right politics, which impacts Turkey's broader strategic calculations involving regional actors, Kurdish issues, and relations with Israel and Iran[4][5].
In conclusion, Bahçeli's call for UN peacekeepers in Gaza is a significant development in the ongoing crisis, reflecting Turkey's commitment to the Palestinian cause and the urgent need for international action to prevent further suffering in Gaza. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the international community will heed Bahçeli's call and take action to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
References:
[1] Anadolu Agency. (2025, August 10). Bahçeli calls on Muslim countries to act on Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/bahceli-calls-on-muslim-countries-to-act-on-gaza/2247287
[2] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 11). Turkey's Bahçeli calls for UN peacekeeping mission in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/11/turkeys-bahceli-calls-for-un-peacekeeping-mission-in-gaza
[3] Middle East Eye. (2025, August 12). UN condemns Israel's attacks on Gaza but stops short of deploying peacekeepers. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-condemns-israels-attacks-gaza-stops-short-deploying-peacekeepers
[4] The Jerusalem Post. (2025, August 13). Bahçeli's call for peacekeepers in Gaza reflects Turkey's complex regional positioning. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-675605
[5] The Guardian. (2025, August 14). Turkey's Bahçeli: Israel's actions in Gaza are genocidal. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/14/turkeys-bahceli-israels-actions-in-gaza-are-genocidal
- The call for UN peacekeepers in Gaza by Turkey's Devlet Bahçeli, as a part of his country's commitment to the Palestinian cause, has resonated globally, aligning with the international community's general news focusing on war-and-conflicts, politics, and world events.
- Ankara's strategic vision, as advocated by Bahçeli, extends beyond Turkey's borders, aiming to secure a better future for the Palestinians and engaging in the regional politics of war-and-conflicts, with implications for actors like Israel and Iran.
