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FM Fidan rejects Trump’s Gaza plan, reaffirms Türkiye’s support for Palestine

Photo shows Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan makes statement and comments on the cease-fire in Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to Palestinian Television in an interview in Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 08, 2025. (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Feb 9, 2025 9:31 PM

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, stating, “Displacement of Palestinians is unacceptable. We do not take such offers seriously,” in an interview with Palestinian Television.

Fidan also described such proposals as historically ignorant and emphasized the international consensus supporting a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state.

During the interview, Fidan addressed several issues, including the situation of Palestinian refugees, the ceasefire process, and the future of Jerusalem.

Photo shows FM Hakan Fidan (L) makeing a statement.
FM Hakan Fidan (L) makes statement and comments on the cease-fire in Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to Palestinian Television in an interview in Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 08, 2025. (AA Photo)

Strong rejection of Trump’s Gaza Plan

In response to a question from the host about U.S. President Trump’s comments regarding the potential displacement of Palestinians, Minister Fidan firmly rejected such proposals.

“The displacement of Palestinians is unacceptable. We do not take such offers seriously. Palestinians were displaced in 1948, and the international community proposed a solution based on the 1967 borders. As Türkiye, we cannot accept a repeat of such displacement, and we believe it should never happen,” he stated.

People walk along Gaza's coastal al-Rashid Street to cross the Netzarim corridor
People walk along Gaza’s coastal al-Rashid Street to cross the Netzarim corridor from the southern Gaza Strip into the north on Jan. 27, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Fidan emphasized such displacements could not be approved by the international community, and it is crucial to protect the rights of the Palestinian people.

Role of international community in ceasefire

Regarding the ceasefire process, Fidan explained Türkiye has been working in cooperation with the international community to end the violence in Gaza and restore normal life to the people there.

A demonstrator holds a blood-stained mask depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
A demonstrator holds a blood-stained mask depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians and calling on Spain to cease exporting arms to Israel, in front of the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, on December 15, 2024. (AFP Photo)

However, he also pointed out the cautious stance needed after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s remarks suggesting the war could resume following the release of hostages.

He underlined that international pressure on Israel is essential for the continuation of the cease-fire.

“The international community needs to exert pressure on Israel. The United States must hold Israel accountable for the terms of the ceasefire. Otherwise, if Netanyahu starts a new war with America’s support, it will perpetuate a crisis in the international system,” he added.

FM Fidan rejects Trump’s Gaza plan, reaffirms Türkiye's support for Palestine
Palestinians receive aid packages at the UNRWA center at al-Jala Street in Gaza City, Gaza on Jan. 22, 2025. (AA Photo)

International support for Palestine, weakness of global societies

Fidan acknowledged the growing international support for the Palestinian cause but criticized the international community for its lack of sufficient action.

“The weakness, impotence, and dysfunction of the international community need to be addressed. Much more needs to be done to bring justice to the Palestinian people,” he said.

He emphasized that Palestinian demands must receive substantial backing, not just in public forums but through concrete actions and support from global powers.

The Dome of the Rock stands inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Dome of the Rock stands inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City on Feb. 7, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Increasing threats to Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque

Fidan also addressed the increasing violations against Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as Israel’s ongoing policies of Judaization in the region.

“Jerusalem is not just a holy place for Palestinians but for all Muslims and Christians. We do not accept interventions into the status of Jerusalem. Israel’s attempts to dominate Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa are unjust,” he said.

Fidan criticized Israel’s incursions into Jerusalem and its oppressive policies in the region, noting that he believes this cycle of oppression will eventually be broken.

“This cycle of oppression will end at some point. Jerusalem could be a city of peace, but unfortunately, Israel continues to dominate it,” he added.

FM Fidan rejects Trump’s Gaza plan, reaffirms Türkiye's support for Palestine
Demonstrators hold a banner and Palestinian and Turkish flags as they attend a rally in solidarity with the Gazan people, at the Galata Bridge in Istanbul on Jan. 1, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Türkiye’s ongoing support for Palestine

Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people, stating that Türkiye’s relationship with Palestine has remained unwavering. “Türkiye will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Our coordination with the Palestinian leadership remains uninterrupted. Our president is also very sensitive to this matter, and we will continue to provide all kinds of support to the Palestinians,” he said.

The minister emphasized Türkiye will always stand by the Palestinian people in their struggle for independence, and this support will continue.

Minister Fidan announces plans for a visit to Palestine

Fidan also mentioned his plans to visit Palestine, though he clarified that the date of the visit has not been determined yet. “I wish to visit the State of Palestine. If the conditions are right, the visit could take place. It is important for us to show our support for Palestine on the ground,” he said.

A potential visit by Fidan would further solidify Türkiye’s support for Palestine and deepen the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

Two-state solution as permanent resolution

Fidan stated that the Palestinian issue cannot be solved solely through a ceasefire but must be addressed with a permanent solution.

“The two-state solution is the permanent resolution to the Palestinian issue. The only solution to this problem is for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security,” he stated.

Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye would continue to play an active role in advocating for Palestinian rights in international forums. He emphasized that peace and justice can only be achieved when all people are granted equal rights and freedoms.

Last Updated:  Feb 10, 2025 1:21 PM