Erdogan warns of 'cruelty' in Trump's Middle East strategy
According to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Washington is making "miscalculations" in the Middle East. The President of Turkey criticised Donald Trump's plan to resolve the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Erdogan believes that relocating Palestinians from the region would be "utter cruelty."
- Forced relocation cannot be accepted. It would be utter cruelty, declared Recep Tayyip Erdogan in response to Donald Trump's recent proposals. The President of Turkey shared his views with journalists upon his return from visits to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. The words of the Turkish leader were reported by the pro-government outlet Daily Sabah.
Is Trump wrong? Erdogan speaks of Washington's "miscalculations"
Erdogan claims that the new Trump administration is making "miscalculations" regarding the Middle East. The President of Turkey asserts that the history and values of the region cannot be ignored. He also hopes that the new occupant of the White House will act for peace, as promised during the election campaign, rather than creating further conflicts.
The statements from the President of Turkey are not unexpected. Erdogan had already expressed scepticism about Trump's plan, which would involve relocating Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip to other countries, mainly Egypt and Jordan. Ankara argues that such proposals are backed by a "Zionist regime" and are not worth discussing.
A few days ago, during a visit by Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, Donald Trump announced plans to take control of the Gaza Strip. The President of the United States told journalists that after relocating the Palestinians, he intended to create the "Middle Eastern Riviera" in the area.
However, Trump did not provide many details about his plan, leading most experts to approach it with significant reservations.
The majority of Arab states have officially criticised Trump's idea, although it was welcomed in Israel.
