Speaking in Qatar on Sunday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned the U.S. proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza, calling it "inhumane." He expressed Turkey's strong opposition to the idea, which was first suggested by former U.S. President Donald Trump, and reiterated Turkey's willingness to accept certain freed Palestinians as part of a ceasefire agreement, reads a Daily Sabah report.
Fidan, during a joint press conference with his Qatari counterpart, emphasized Turkey’s firm stance against the forced displacement of Palestinians. He noted that such plans violated humanitarian laws and must be opposed by the international community. His comments came a day after Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab League issued a joint statement rejecting any relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank.
The U.S. proposal, which was made shortly after Trump's inauguration, suggested that Jordan and Egypt should take in Palestinians from Gaza. The plan aimed to "clean out" Gaza City, resettling its population temporarily or permanently. However, this suggestion was rejected by regional leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, who stated that such moves would not be tolerated and advocated for a two-state solution as the only lasting resolution.
Fidan also mentioned that Turkey had agreed to take in some Palestinian prisoners released under a ceasefire deal. He reiterated Turkey's long-standing support for the Palestinians and its efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as its assistance to Gaza in the form of humanitarian aid and medical support.
Additionally, Fidan addressed concerns about U.S. backing for the PKK/YPG in Syria, stating that the U.S. alliance with these groups had destabilized the region and worsened relations between Turkey and the U.S. He expressed hope that the U.S. would abandon its policies, which Turkey views as a security threat.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
