Erdogan Rejects Trump’s Gaza Proposal, Defends Palestinian Rights and World Peace
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza and relocate its Palestinian population to neighboring Arab countries. Erdogan emphasized that Gaza belongs to the Palestinians, stating, “No one can take Gaza from the Palestinians.” He expressed concern that Trump, in collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is working on an agreement that could undermine global peace.
In an interview with Indonesia’s Narasi TV, published on Thursday, Erdogan warned that such a plan represents a “great threat to world peace.” Despite this, he expressed hope that the United States would quickly correct its policy mistake. He added, “The Islamic world can’t say yes to this,” and noted that countries such as Türkiye, Indonesia, and Pakistan would not support this proposal either.
Support for World Peace and OIC Stance
Erdogan stressed that the United States, being a major global power, should support world peace and work towards it. He highlighted that Türkiye, along with Indonesia, Pakistan, and Malaysia, has always supported global peace and will continue to do so.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), according to Erdogan, will take a firm stance against Trump’s proposal. He also emphasized that international support for peace and justice should be rooted in the decisions of global judicial bodies.
Condemnation of Trump’s Gaza Plan
On February 4, Trump announced a plan to “take over” Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere under an ambitious redevelopment scheme, which he described as potentially transforming the enclave into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” This plan was widely condemned by Palestinians, Arab countries, and many other nations, including Canada, France, Germany, and the UK.
Erdogan sharply criticized the US approach, calling it “inhumane” and condemning the destruction of hospitals and schools in Gaza. He also accused Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of evading justice, referring to him as a “gangster” and emphasizing that Turkey supports the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s decision regarding Netanyahu’s arrest.
Erdogan condemned the US’s opposition to the international judiciary, stating, “It is impossible to approve these. We are in favor of justice.” He reiterated his support for the ICC’s decision, particularly in relation to the case against Netanyahu, and expressed backing for South Africa’s stance on the matter.
Gaza Conflict and International Justice
A ceasefire agreement has been in place in Gaza since January 19, halting the ongoing violence that has killed over 48,200 people and left Gaza in ruins. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its actions in Gaza.
Strengthening Türkiye-Indonesian Relations
Erdogan also highlighted the long-standing and strong relations between Türkiye and Indonesia, noting their shared history of over 400 years. He discussed various meetings and agreements that have been signed, strengthening the ties between the two nations. “With these 12 agreements, we have carried the ties between Türkiye and Indonesia to a much stronger point,” he said.
This statement underscores the deepening cooperation between the two countries as they continue to work together in supporting global peace and justice.
