Erdogan calls Trump-Netanyahu Gaza plan a ‘grave threat to global peace’
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attending the “Great Palestine Rally” and delivering a speech at Ataturk Airport, Istanbul, Türkiye, October 28, 2023. (AA Photo)
In an exclusive interview with Indonesian media outlet Narasi during his visit to Indonesia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning Gaza, describing it as a “grave threat to global peace.”
“No one can take Gaza from the Palestinians,” said Erdogan asserting Türkiye’s firm stance against the plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza.
‘We will not stand by idly’
Erdogan emphasized the danger posed by the agreement between Trump and Netanyahu, warning that such an initiative could severely undermine international stability. “This is a grave threat to global peace,” he stated, underlining his deep concern about the implications for the region.
When asked about Türkiye’s potential response if the U.S. pursued the proposal, Erdogan firmly rejected the idea, noting that neither Türkiye nor the broader Islamic world would accept such terms.
“We, along with countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, and others in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, will not stand by idly,” he affirmed.
Call for US to prioritize global peace
Erdogan also urged U.S. to focus on fostering peace globally, especially in volatile regions like the Middle East. “A country like the U.S. must stand for world peace,” he said, reiterating Türkiye’s commitment to raising the issue within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other diplomatic platforms.
During a White House press conference with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for the U.S. to “take over the Gaza Strip.” He proposed relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt, while promising to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Netanyahu defended the plan’s displacement provision, stating, “What’s wrong with that? They can leave, they can then come back, they can relocate and come back.”
Gaza has faced a dire humanitarian situation, exacerbated by an 18-year blockade that has left nearly two million of its 2.3 million residents displaced.
Since Jan. 19, a cease-fire deal has paused Israel’s military campaign, which has claimed the lives of more than 48,200 people, mostly women and children, leaving the territory devastated and its population in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
