Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Tuesday criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, calling it a misreading of history.
Trump proposed the idea last month, saying he would urge Egypt and Jordan to take in Gaza’s largely displaced population so that “we just clean out that whole thing.”
Speaking at a joint news conference in Ankara with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians. The two officials discussed trade and investment ties as well as regional security, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“The Palestine problem started with the displacement of the Palestinians,” Fidan said. “We believe the only permanent solution is for Palestinians to have the right to a state on their own land, and for this conflict to be resolved through a two-state solution.”
He added that any alternative proposals fail to acknowledge historical realities.
Fidan also voiced concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might “restart the war” in Gaza after the release of Israeli hostages.
Turkey has accepted 15 Palestinian prisoners who were freed and deported as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, Fidan said, defending Turkey’s role in facilitating the agreement.
The first phase of the ceasefire has led to Hamas’ release of 18 hostages and Israel’s release of 583 jailed Palestinians, at least 79 of whom were sent to Egypt.