[Today's Prayer] Israel: "Turkiye Will Not Be Allowed in the Multinational Force for Peacekeeping in Gaza"

The Israeli government announced on May 9th (local time) that it would exclude Turkish troops from the International Stabilization Force (ISF) to be deployed in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.

According to Reuters, Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated at a press conference that "Turkish troops will not set foot in (the Gaza Strip)," adding, "This has not happened in the past, it is not happening now, and it will not happen in the future."

The ISF, to be established under the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, will be tasked with maintaining security in the Gaza Strip as Israel gradually withdraws, and supporting the disarmament of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The ISF, expected to comprise approximately 5,000 personnel, primarily from Arab countries, has not yet been formed, and the international community believes that this organization should operate under the mandate of the UN Security Council.

Israel's strong opposition to Turkiye's participation in the ISF is believed to stem from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's pro-Hamas stance.

Israel views the Erdoğan government as being excessively close not only to Hamas but also to its ideological roots, the Muslim Brotherhood. In fact, Turkiye has not designated Hamas as a terrorist organization and has frequently allowed visits by Hamas political leaders.

Relations between Israel and Turkiye have deteriorated to their worst point since the Gaza war. Turkiye has suspended trade with Israel, closed its airspace, and recently issued arrest warrants for 37 high-ranking Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on charges of genocide. Israel has also accused Turkey of aiding and abetting Hamas's attack plans and funding within its territory.

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Source: News 1

“Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” (Psalm 143:9-10)

Heavenly Father, we hear the news that the Israeli government intends to exclude Turkish troops from the international stabilization force (ISF) to be deployed in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.

Israel is concerned that Turkiye's pro-Hamas stance since President Erdoğan's rise to power will empower Hamas in the Gaza Strip, but may the Israeli government realize that the fate of Israel belongs to God and entrust all the nation's problems to our good God.

Furthermore, may Turkiye abandon its vain desire to exert influence over Palestine and rise as a leader in the Islamic world by deploying troops to the Gaza Strip, and instead, may it become a nation that submits only to God and demonstrates the leadership of the cross, influencing all of the Arab world and Israel with the gospel.

For this, may the churches in Turkiye and Israel first rise up as churches that do the will of the Lord. May they forgive one another, be united in God's word, and go forth among all nations to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Finally, through Turkiye and Israel, may we witness the amazing work of salvation where the work of the enemy among all nations ceases, and all nations take refuge in Jesus, our eternal shield, and receive eternal life!