ANKARA, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- While Türkiye is eager to participate in Gaza's reconstruction and has expressed readiness to join a postwar peacekeeping force, local analysts said that Ankara's strained relations with Israel could hinder its ability to play a meaningful role on the ground.

Türkiye has repeatedly signaled its willingness to help secure and reconstruct Gaza once fighting ends. Officials in Ankara argue that Türkiye's long-standing ties with regional actors, experience in humanitarian operations and peacekeeping, and public support for the Palestinian cause make it a natural candidate for involvement.

Oytun Orhan, a senior researcher from Ankara-based Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies, said Türkiye's motivations are shaped by both humanitarian concerns and broader strategic thinking as both Türkiye and Israel compete for regional influence.

"Ankara sees Gaza's recovery as essential for regional stability, and it genuinely wants to contribute," he told Xinhua.

"But there is also an understanding that playing a constructive role in Gaza would strengthen Türkiye's regional influence at a time when the Middle East is being reshaped," he pointed out.

Orhan emphasized, however, that Israel's stance will be decisive.

Pointing to the UN Security Council's adoption of a U.S.-drafted resolution endorsing the creation of an international stabilization force in Gaza on Monday, Orhan said that, "No peacekeeping mission can operate in Gaza without Israeli acceptance."

"Right now, (mutual) confidence is at an all-time low. The rhetoric between the two governments makes any cooperation difficult," the analyst noted.

Relations between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have worsened since the early stages of the Gaza conflict.

Ankara's sharp criticism of Israel's military operations and its outspoken support for the Palestinians have deepened the rift.

More recently, in early November, Türkiye issued arrest warrants for alleged genocide against the Israeli prime minister and senior officials within his government.

"Israeli objection to Türkiye's role in Gaza is very real and acute. Israeli officials have repeatedly rejected Turkish boots on the ground in Gaza," Batu Coskun, a non-resident fellow at the Abu Dhabi-based Trends Research and Advisory, told Xinhua.

According to the analyst, Türkiye's official role in Gaza is still confined to humanitarian affairs, which are also restricted by Israel amid strained relations.

Coskun observed that Türkiye is enlisting U.S. support to counter Israel's opposition.

He said Türkiye will likely continue lobbying the U.S. government to pave the way for a more pronounced Turkish role in Gaza.

If U.S. President Donald Trump "views that Türkiye's role in the stabilization force is essential, then he may further pressure Israel to accept," he said. Enditem