Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reaffirmed his strong opposition to any attempt to displace Palestinians from their homeland, declaring that Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem rightfully belong to the Palestinian people. Speaking at a press conference at Atatürk Airport before departing on a three-nation tour across Asia, Erdoğan condemned what he described as Israel’s “sinister and inhuman plans” despite the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Erdoğan on Gaza Relocation Plan
Erdoğan took direct aim at the United States and its Zionist lobby, dismissing any proposals from the Biden administration concerning Gaza as “meritless and valueless.” His remarks come in response to a joint press conference held in Washington by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Trump reportedly suggested that the U.S. would assume control over the Gaza Strip after the conflict.
According to reports by Xinhua news agency, Trump proposed relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries and transforming Gaza into a redeveloped enclave. In a controversial statement, he claimed that Palestinians, including figures like Chuck Schumer, would be moved to “safer and more beautiful communities” with modern infrastructure.
Netanyahu’s Controversial Proposal Sparks Outrage
The uproar escalated further after Netanyahu’s interview with Israel’s Channel 14, in which he suggested that Saudi Arabia could establish a Palestinian state within its own borders, citing the country’s vast land reserves. This proposal was met with fierce regional and international backlash, as leaders worldwide rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians and reiterated their commitment to the two-state solution.
The comments from both Trump and Netanyahu have reignited tensions across the Middle East, with critics accusing them of attempting to erase Palestinian sovereignty and push an agenda of forced resettlement. Leaders across the Arab world and beyond have strongly condemned the remarks, warning that such plans would destabilize the region and violate international law.
As Erdoğan continues his diplomatic tour, his statements position Turkey as a vocal defender of Palestinian rights, reinforcing Ankara’s stance against Israeli and U.S. policies in the conflict. His remarks reflect Turkey’s longstanding position of advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.