Turkey Ready to Train Gaza Police and Support Rebuilding Local Government

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey is ready to provide assistance in training the new Gaza Strip police force as part of efforts to revive local governance in the region, stressing that the restoration of the governance structure and core security is essential to stabilize Gaza and provide vital services for Palestinians.

Speaking to reporters in Washington after attending the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council representing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Washington D.C., on Thursday, Foreign Minister Fidan said the priority in the second phase of the Gaza peace plan is to rebuild a functional local government capable of providing health, education, police, and essential services to the residents of the region.

Foreign Minister Fidan said the formation and training of new police forces for Gaza is underway to ensure local security and public order.

"This is important for any functioning government," he said, launching Daily Sabah (20/2).

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Fidan reiterated that Turkey is ready to contribute to security arrangements if requested.

The newly appointed US High Representative for Gaza said on Thursday that recruitment had begun for the transitional police force intended to take over security responsibilities from Hamas, with more than 2,000 applicants submitting forms in a few hours.

"Gaza needs a local government that can stand on its own and provide services to 2 million people," said Foreign Minister Fidan, stressing that reconstruction and stabilization cannot succeed without rebuilding administrative capacity.

He noted that the Peace Council meeting serves as a platform for member countries to declare their contributions and coordinate efforts.

Foreign Minister Fidan underlined that Turkey has provided uninterrupted humanitarian assistance since the first day of the Israeli genocide attack - through state institutions and civil society - and will continue to do so.

He said Ankara was in talks to increase the flow of supplies through the Rafah crossing, including the delivery of container-based aid to replace tents, and was working to expand medical support from field treatment to moving injured Palestinians to Turkey.