Erdogan Calls Trump’s Gaza Plan 'Futile'
According to the Turkish leader, the US president's attempt to transfer Palestinians is devoid of significance and driven by political motives. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized US President Donald Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza, labeling it a meaningless initiative driven by the “Zionist lobby.”
Trump introduced the idea of US ownership of the Palestinian enclave during a press conference last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He reiterated his previous suggestion of relocating Palestinians outside Gaza, shifting the responsibility to neighboring countries.
In comments to reporters on Sunday, Erdogan made it clear that Ankara firmly opposes any plans that would forcibly displace the Palestinian population from their homeland. “The proposals put forward by the new American administration regarding Gaza with the pressure of the Zionist lobby have nothing worth considering or discussing,” Erdogan stated at a news conference prior to his departure to Malaysia.
Trump’s plan envisions transforming Gaza into what he has termed “the Riviera of the Middle East.” The proposal includes relocating displaced Palestinians to Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations, with some eventually resettling in the newly developed area. Netanyahu has endorsed the plan, referring to it as the “first good idea” he has encountered regarding the region's future.
Erdogan dismissed the concept as “completely futile,” asserting, “No one has the power to remove the people of Gaza from their eternal homeland that has been around for thousands of years. Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem belong to the Palestinians.”
Türkiye has emerged as a prominent critic of Israel throughout the ongoing Gaza conflict. In May, Erdogan cut trade ties with Israel in response to the conflict, which he has consistently likened to the Holocaust.
Trump’s initiative has faced strong opposition from significant regional players, including Jordan, Egypt, the Arab League, and Hamas. Global powers such as Germany, France, Brazil, Russia, and China have also condemned the proposal for displacement.
Critics argue that forced relocation would contravene international law, with human rights organizations labeling it “ethnic cleansing.”
Despite the backlash, reports indicate that Trump is continuing diplomatic discussions to gather input from Arab leaders to refine his strategy.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog mentioned on Fox News Sunday that Trump is scheduled to meet with crucial Arab leaders, including the king of Jordan, the president of Egypt, and possibly the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, to negotiate the relocation of Palestinians.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry previously issued a strong rejection of the proposal, asserting that Palestinians are the rightful owners of their land and should not be seen as “intruders” or “immigrants” subject to expulsion by the “Israeli occupation.”
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
Trump introduced the idea of US ownership of the Palestinian enclave during a press conference last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He reiterated his previous suggestion of relocating Palestinians outside Gaza, shifting the responsibility to neighboring countries.
In comments to reporters on Sunday, Erdogan made it clear that Ankara firmly opposes any plans that would forcibly displace the Palestinian population from their homeland. “The proposals put forward by the new American administration regarding Gaza with the pressure of the Zionist lobby have nothing worth considering or discussing,” Erdogan stated at a news conference prior to his departure to Malaysia.
Trump’s plan envisions transforming Gaza into what he has termed “the Riviera of the Middle East.” The proposal includes relocating displaced Palestinians to Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations, with some eventually resettling in the newly developed area. Netanyahu has endorsed the plan, referring to it as the “first good idea” he has encountered regarding the region's future.
Erdogan dismissed the concept as “completely futile,” asserting, “No one has the power to remove the people of Gaza from their eternal homeland that has been around for thousands of years. Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem belong to the Palestinians.”
Türkiye has emerged as a prominent critic of Israel throughout the ongoing Gaza conflict. In May, Erdogan cut trade ties with Israel in response to the conflict, which he has consistently likened to the Holocaust.
Trump’s initiative has faced strong opposition from significant regional players, including Jordan, Egypt, the Arab League, and Hamas. Global powers such as Germany, France, Brazil, Russia, and China have also condemned the proposal for displacement.
Critics argue that forced relocation would contravene international law, with human rights organizations labeling it “ethnic cleansing.”
Despite the backlash, reports indicate that Trump is continuing diplomatic discussions to gather input from Arab leaders to refine his strategy.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog mentioned on Fox News Sunday that Trump is scheduled to meet with crucial Arab leaders, including the king of Jordan, the president of Egypt, and possibly the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, to negotiate the relocation of Palestinians.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry previously issued a strong rejection of the proposal, asserting that Palestinians are the rightful owners of their land and should not be seen as “intruders” or “immigrants” subject to expulsion by the “Israeli occupation.”
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
