Türkiye to Extend Deployment of its Forces in Libya for Two More Years

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives Libyan Speaker Aguila Saleh (L) and Deputy Head of the Presidential Council of Libya Abdullah Al-Lafi in Ankara on August 2, 2022. (Turkish presidency)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives Libyan Speaker Aguila Saleh (L) and Deputy Head of the Presidential Council of Libya Abdullah Al-Lafi in Ankara on August 2, 2022. (Turkish presidency)
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Türkiye to Extend Deployment of its Forces in Libya for Two More Years

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives Libyan Speaker Aguila Saleh (L) and Deputy Head of the Presidential Council of Libya Abdullah Al-Lafi in Ankara on August 2, 2022. (Turkish presidency)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives Libyan Speaker Aguila Saleh (L) and Deputy Head of the Presidential Council of Libya Abdullah Al-Lafi in Ankara on August 2, 2022. (Turkish presidency)

Türkiye has taken a new step toward extending the deployment of its troops in Libya at a time when Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives Aguila Saleh has expressed rejection of the establishment of foreign military bases in Libya.

Saleh said he is likely to visit Türkiye during the upcoming two weeks, adding that he would meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Turkish counterpart Numan Kurtulmus.

The Turkish Presidency referred to the parliament a memorandum to extend the missions of its forces in Libya for 24 months.

The memorandum stated that the goal of sending Turkish forces was “to protect national interests within the framework of international law, to take all necessary precautions against security risks emanating from illegal armed groups in Libya, and to maintain security against other possible risks, such as mass migration, providing the humanitarian aid that the Libyan people need, and providing the necessary support to the legitimate government in Libya.”

Türkiye sent its forces to Libya on January 2, 2020, and its duties were extended on June 21, 2021, for 18 months.

The memorandum called on Parliament to ratify the extension of the tasks of Turkish forces in Libya for 24 months, starting on January 2, 2024.

"Regarding foreign military bases, we reject [the establishment of] any military base in our country," Saleh said in an interview with Sputnik news agency.

He added in the remarks published Friday that only the exchange of expertise and military and technical cooperation with other countries are acceptable to Libya.

Saleh spoke about the improvement of relations with Ankara, as well as the improvement of Egyptian-Turkish ties.

Saleh had visited Türkiye in August 2022 after more than a decade-long estrangement between East Libya and Ankara.



Hamas Sources: Trump’s Displacement Remarks Inconsistent with US Messages

US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)
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Hamas Sources: Trump’s Displacement Remarks Inconsistent with US Messages

US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)

US President Donald Trump’s recent comments about the war in Gaza have sparked cautious optimism for a potential ceasefire, while also raising serious concerns. During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, Trump said he expects the conflict to end “soon,” adding: “I want the war in Gaza to stop.”

However, Trump reignited controversy by referencing a proposal he once floated early in his presidency: relocating the Palestinians from Gaza and placing the enclave under US control.

While Hamas has not issued an official response, sources within the Palestinian group told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump’s statements are inconsistent with what is being conveyed behind the scenes.

“These remarks don’t align with what’s being shared with Hamas leadership or mediators,” they said.

They pointed to a shift in US policy and noted that recent American positions conveyed through intermediaries show a more measured approach. They also highlighted strong Arab opposition to any forced displacement from Gaza, which they say has contributed to Washington distancing itself from such ideas - regardless of Trump’s public rhetoric.

The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu also touched on the issue of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Netanyahu said efforts to reach a new agreement were underway, while Trump confirmed that discussions about a new ceasefire are in progress, though he cautioned that securing the hostages’ release could be “a long process.”

Hamas sources confirmed the movement has received a new Egyptian proposal, which has also been shared with Israel, the United States, and other mediators. They linked Trump’s remarks to recent intensified mediation efforts involving Washington.

Trump’s revival of the Gaza relocation idea was interpreted by some observers as a response to questions from Israeli journalists, rather than a serious policy stance. Hamas sources downplayed the significance of the statement, suggesting it did not reflect current US efforts on the ground.

Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers recently presented a unified plan in Doha to US envoy Steve Witkoff, centered on Gaza’s reconstruction and governance - without displacing its residents. The plan was reportedly well-received and seen as a foundation for future efforts to resolve the conflict.