Erdogan firmly rejected the notion of moving Palestinians from their homes in Gaza during a visit to Malaysia. He emphasized, “We do not consider the proposal to exile the Palestinians from the lands they have lived in for thousands of years as something to be taken seriously.”
The Turkish President referenced the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, commonly known as the Nakba, which resulted in the mass displacement of Palestinians. Highlighting the historical trauma, Erdogan stressed that no force should impose a repeat of such an event on the Palestinian people.
During his four-day tour across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan, Erdogan underscored the extensive damage inflicted on Gaza. He asserted that the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, should seek funds to cover what he described as $100 billion in damages, instead of focusing on relocating Gaza’s residents.
Erdogan’s statements mark a consistent stance in his foreign policy approach, often highlighting the plight of Palestinians and criticizing what he perceives as inequities in international responses. His comments were made amidst ongoing discussions regarding reconstruction and humanitarian support for the heavily impacted region.
Erdogan’s reaffirmation of his stance against the U.S. proposal highlights the complexities surrounding the Palestinian issue, further emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions that acknowledge historical grievances and current humanitarian needs.
