Erdogan Warns U.S.: No Power Can Remove Gaza’s People.
Ankara/Washington: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a strong warning against any attempt to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, asserting that no power on Earth can drive the people of Gaza from their homeland. Speaking at Ataturk Airport before departing for a three-nation tour of Asia, Erdogan declared that Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem all belong to the Palestinian people.
His remarks come amid growing global outrage over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s ‘Gaza Plan’, which proposes American control over Gaza after the war and the permanent relocation of Palestinians. The plan, which Trump first outlined during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on January 4, has drawn widespread condemnation from world leaders, with critics warning that it could further destabilize the Middle East and lead to escalating violence.
Trump’s Controversial Gaza Proposal
During the January 4 press conference in Washington, Trump stated that the United States would assume control over Gaza, overseeing its economic redevelopment after Palestinians were resettled elsewhere. He described this as a permanent solution, emphasizing that it would be in Israel’s best interests. However, following a global backlash, the White House issued a clarification, stating that any displacement from Gaza would be temporary.
Despite the clarification, Trump doubled down on his proposal on January 11 via his Truth Social platform, writing:
“At the end of the fighting, Israel will hand over the Gaza Strip to the United States. We will not need American troops on the ground, and we will rebuild the region.”
Trump’s statements have escalated tensions, with critics arguing that his proposal ignores Palestinian sovereignty and could fuel further unrest.
Netanyahu Suggests Palestinian State in Saudi Arabia
In a separate yet related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that Palestinians should be resettled in Saudi Arabia, arguing that the kingdom has ample land to accommodate them. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14 on January 6, Netanyahu stated:
“A Palestinian state could be established in Saudi Arabia. They have a lot of land there.”
His comments have been met with sharp criticism, with many accusing him of advocating ethnic cleansing. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s statement aligns with Israel’s long-term strategy to expel Palestinians from their homeland.
Erdogan condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, saying:
“Despite the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, we see that the Israeli government is pursuing even more dangerous plans. We will never recognize any attempt to expel Palestinians from their land.”
International Outrage Over Trump’s ‘Gaza Plan’
Germany, France, and NATO Criticize Trump
European leaders have been vocal in their opposition to Trump’s Gaza proposal. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected the plan, calling it a “scam” that would violate international law. Speaking at a campaign event on January 12, Scholz said:
“We should not resettle the population of Gaza in Egypt or any other country. Palestinians must have the right to remain in their homeland.”
During a televised debate ahead of the Bundestag elections on February 23, Scholz reiterated Germany’s opposition to forced displacement, emphasizing that the European Union would not support any move that violates Palestinian sovereignty.
Similarly, French Foreign Minister Jeannoel Barrot warned that the European Union will take retaliatory steps if the U.S. proceeds with any forced expulsion of Palestinians. He stated:
“The European Union will take all necessary actions to ensure that Palestinian rights are protected. We will not hesitate to respond.”
Meanwhile, officials from NATO headquarters in Brussels have expressed concern that Trump’s proposal could worsen regional instability and lead to a wider conflict.
U.S. and Middle Eastern Reactions
Washington’s Response
While Trump has continued to defend his Gaza plan, officials within the Biden administration have distanced themselves from his remarks. White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that the U.S. remains committed to a two-state solution, adding:
“President Biden does not support any plan that involves permanently displacing Palestinians. Our position remains unchanged.”
Despite these reassurances, Trump’s statements have already damaged U.S. credibility in the Middle East, with several Arab nations voicing strong opposition to his proposal.
Arab Nations Condemn Trump’s Plan
Several Arab countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, have denounced Trump’s proposal, warning that it could lead to another wave of violence in the region.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called the plan “unacceptable”, stating:
“Egypt will not allow the forced resettlement of Palestinians into its territory. We stand firmly against any such move.”
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement rejecting the proposal, emphasizing that:
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not support any plan that undermines the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.”
Even the United Nations weighed in, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning that:
“Any forced relocation of Palestinians would constitute a violation of international law and could lead to severe humanitarian consequences.”
Erdogan’s Final Warning to the U.S.
Erdogan concluded his press conference by reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to supporting Palestine, stating:
“We will never allow an unjust plan to take away Palestinian land. No power can drive the people of Gaza out of their ancient homeland.”
His remarks have further escalated tensions between Turkey and the U.S., with analysts predicting that diplomatic relations between Ankara and Washington will continue to deteriorate over the Gaza issue.
With international opposition mounting, Trump’s proposal for Gaza is already facing major resistance from Europe, the Middle East, and NATO allies. As the situation unfolds, the future of U.S.-Middle East relations hangs in the balance.
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