The struggle over influence in Gaza reflects a broader geopolitical contest between global and regional actors, including Türkiye, “Israel”, the United States, and various Arab states. This competition is driven by a myriad of security, economic, and ideological factors, with each actor seeking to advance its own strategic interests.

Gaza, governed by the Palestinian Resistance—particularly Hamas—holds immense significance in these geopolitical dynamics, serving as both a focal point of resistance against Israeli occupation and a battleground for competing regional powers.

Türkiye: Expanding influence through support for Palestine

Under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye has positioned itself as a key supporter of Hamas and the Palestinian Resistance, aiming to enhance its influence in the Arab and Islamic world. By backing Hamas politically and financially, Ankara seeks to challenge Western dominance in the region and counter Israeli policies.

Türkiye’s stance on Gaza serves multiple purposes: it bolsters Erdoğan’s image as a champion of the Palestinian cause, strengthens Türkiye’s role as a leading Muslim power, and establishes leverage in broader Middle Eastern geopolitics. However, while Türkiye vocally supports Gaza, it also balances relations with Western powers to maintain its own strategic interests.

‘Israel’: Containment and suppression of resistance

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For the Zionist entity, Gaza represents a security challenge, as it is home to armed Resistance movements that actively oppose Israeli occupation. Consequently, Tel Aviv's primary objective is to weaken the Palestinian Resistance through military aggression, economic blockade, and diplomatic pressure.

“Israel” seeks to prevent any political shift in Gaza that might lead to the emergence of a unified Palestinian front, fearing this could strengthen the broader struggle for Palestinian liberation. With unwavering support from the United States and other Western allies, “Israel” employs military operations, sanctions, and international lobbying to suppress Hamas and maintain control over Gaza.

The United States: Bolstering ‘Israel’, undermining Resistance

As “Israel’s” most steadfast ally, the United States considers the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza a threat to its regional hegemony. Washington provides extensive military aid and diplomatic backing to “Israel”, to ensure its ability to suppress Palestinian Resistance and maintain dominance in the region.

In addition, Washington supports regional actors who oppose Hamas, including certain Arab governments, in an effort to weaken Resistance forces and maintain control over Gaza’s geopolitical trajectory.

Arab States: Divided interests, strategic calculations

Arab states remain divided on their approach to Gaza. Some, like Egypt and Jordan, view the situation through a security lens, fearing instability along their borders. Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza, has historically played a mediating role, often facilitating ceasefires. 

In contrast, Qatar has positioned itself as a key financial supporter of Gaza, using humanitarian aid as a means to assert its influence in Palestinian affairs. By aligning with Türkiye, Qatar strengthens its role as a regional power invested in the Palestinian cause.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, prioritizes countering Iran’s influence in the region and has increasingly aligned itself with “Israel”. Rather than supporting Hamas, Riyadh focuses on normalization with Tel Aviv, seeing this as a means to secure its broader geopolitical and economic ambitions.

Conclusion

The geopolitical contest over Gaza is shaped by competing interests that range from ideological alignments to strategic power plays. Türkiye views Gaza as a key front for expanding its influence in the Muslim world, while “Israel” and the US see it as a stronghold of Resistance that must be dismantled. Meanwhile, Arab states remain divided, with some supporting Palestinian liberation and others prioritizing stability and relations with “Israel”.

As a critical point of intersection between global and regional powers, Gaza remains central to the broader struggle for Palestinian self-determination, ensuring that it will continue to be a focal point of resistance and geopolitical maneuvering for years to come.