Gaza is not for sale: Turkish Parliament Speaker, Kurtulmus

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal on Gaza, asserting that the region will remain a part of Palestine and is not for sale.

Speaking at the opening session of the Ankara Diplomat Academy Camp, Kurtulmus addressed the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza and the broader Middle East geopolitical landscape.

Kurtulmus: Gaza is not for sale

During his speech, Kurtulmus denounced Trump’s Middle East peace proposal, emphasizing that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people.

“Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and will remain part of Palestine until the end of time. It is not a piece of land for sale to your companies,” he stated.

Referring to the ongoing war in Gaza, Kurtulmus recalled the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting that the U.S. reception of Netanyahu despite these charges was deeply troubling.

“A prime minister who faces an arrest warrant for genocide was welcomed in the United States as if he were royalty. This is an insult to humanity and justice,” Kurtulmus said, adding that Netanyahu and his associates will eventually be held accountable for war crimes in international courts.

US Middle East policies under fire

Kurtulmus also warned against foreign interventions in the Middle East, citing past failures in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Gaza.

“Those who have failed in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq have no right to drag the Middle East into another catastrophe. The entire region will oppose such moves,” he asserted.

He urged the U.S. administration to reconsider its stance, arguing that Türkiye remains committed to a peaceful resolution but will continue to voice strong opposition to unjust policies.

Call for Palestinian statehood and regional stability

Kurtulmus emphasized that a new era has begun for both Palestine and Israel, stating that the international community is increasingly supporting Palestinian rights.

“From now on, nothing will be the same for Israel. The Palestinian cause will gain more global support and stronger representation in international platforms,” he said.

Discussing the future of Syria, Kurtulmus reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to Syrian sovereignty, stating that the Syrian national army should be the only legitimate armed force in the country.

“We hope to see a Syria that maintains its territorial integrity and is free from terrorist groups. No armed factions outside the Syrian national army should exist,” he remarked.

He emphasized that Türkiye remains both at the negotiation table and on the ground, ensuring that its diplomatic efforts align with national interests.

“Even in the most difficult issues, we must be present at the table, understand our counterparts, and act accordingly,” Kurtulmus concluded.