Doha: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has reiterated Turkey’s firm stance against any proposals to displace the Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip to other countries. Speaking at a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha, Fidan emphasized that such proposals are “contrary to international law.”
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan expressed Turkey’s endorsement of the Arab ministerial statement in Cairo rejecting former US President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. He stressed that concerted efforts are necessary to oppose this project. Fidan highlighted Turkey’s priority in maintaining an uninterrupted ceasefire in Gaza and extended gratitude to Qatari and Egyptian officials for their roles in reaching the agreement.
Fidan underscored the ceasefire agreement as a significant humanitarian achievement and called for measures to prevent a recurrence of what he termed “genocide” by Israel. He also emphasized the need for unhindered humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and urged Israel to cease actions that obstruct such efforts.
He further remarked on the international community’s responsibility to support Palestinians, noting that Turkish institutions are actively facilitating aid delivery to Gaza. Fidan advocated for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue to avoid ongoing conflicts and regional destabilization.
Addressing the Syrian situation, Fidan mentioned ongoing coordination among regional countries to provide assistance, with Turkey and Qatar collaborating with international actors to aid in Syria’s reconstruction, notably in energy sectors. He called for lifting international sanctions on Syria to improve its economic and reconstruction prospects.
Fidan highlighted the necessity of unifying armed groups under the National Army in Syria and reiterated that the fight against terrorism extends beyond ISIS, including efforts against the PKK/YPG. He noted Turkey’s monitoring of the Damascus government’s attempts to resolve the YPG issue, hoping for a non-violent resolution, and affirmed Turkey’s intolerance for terrorism in Syria.
Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized the importance of all parties committing to ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. He expressed optimism for positive outcomes and stressed the need to advance the process without delays or concessions.
Sheikh Mohammed voiced concern over continued Israeli actions in the West Bank and called on the international community to confront these violations. He reiterated that establishing a Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders is critical for lasting regional peace.
Regarding Syria, Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of Qatar-Turkey cooperation to support Syria and advocated for lifting sanctions on Damascus. He noted the necessity of international support for Syria’s stability, positioning this cooperation as part of Qatar and Turkey’s broader efforts to address regional crises.