Foreign Minister Fidan: Attempts to Change the Identity of Jerusalem Are Unacceptable

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, "The games being played on this issue, the complete Judaization of Jerusalem, the removal of its Muslim and Christian identities, and the introduction of a monotheistic approach are, of course, unacceptable."

In a statement about the situation in Jerusalem, Fidan emphasized, "The games being played here, the complete Judaization of Jerusalem, the removal of its international identity, Muslim identity, Christian identity, and the introduction of a monotheistic approach are absolutely unacceptable."

Fidan also shared his views on the ceasefire in Gaza and the Israel-Palestine issue with Palestine Television. Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements about Palestinians in Gaza moving to other countries and the reactions of the international community, Fidan remarked, "The displacement of Palestinians is unacceptable. We don’t think such proposals should be taken seriously. It shows a lack of understanding of history."

Fidan referred to the displacement of Palestinians in 1948 and noted that the international community had proposed a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital, ensuring a Palestinian state that could coexist with Israel.

He pointed out that the majority of the Islamic and Arab worlds, Turkey, and the international community support this vision, which was demonstrated in the recent UN vote. Fidan said, "There is no political project more widely supported globally than this two-state solution. Yet, it is tragic that such a widely accepted proposal is not being practically implemented."

He highlighted several reasons why this solution has not been realized, saying, "We do not accept a repetition of displacement. We believe it should not happen. As an international community, the countries of the region, the Arab world, the Islamic world, the European Union, Africa, South America, and Asia-Pacific will continue to diplomatically oppose this issue."

Foreign Minister Fidan: "Future of Gaza Ceasefire and Netanyahu's Decision to Attack Gaza Again"

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke about the future of the ceasefire in Gaza and the possibility of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deciding to attack Gaza again. He expressed that this scenario remains a possibility but hoped that it would not come to fruition.

Fidan reiterated Turkey's desire for the genocide that has been ongoing since October 7, 2023, to stop, the continuation of the ceasefire, the return of Gazans to their homes, and the resumption of normal life. He mentioned that Turkey, as part of the international community, has been doing everything it can to contribute to these goals.

Furthermore, Fidan referred to Netanyahu's "mindset" being apparent, emphasizing that after rescuing hostages, there would be nothing left to hold him back. He stated, "The only thing that can hold him back is the international community adopting a realistic stance, meaning a stance that completely isolates Israel."

"If Netanyahu Starts a War, America's Credibility Will Plummet Further"

Fidan reminded that Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. are the guarantors of the ceasefire agreement. He emphasized that the U.S. must pressure Israel to abide by the terms of the agreement. Regarding the possibility that such pressure may not be applied, Fidan said, "If Netanyahu starts a war again with American support, America's already dwindling credibility will sink even further, and this distortion in the international system will continue to fuel the crisis."

In response to Netanyahu's remarks about "drawing a new Middle East map with Trump" and potentially visiting the U.S., Fidan stated that the people of the Middle East are honorable, and the region has seen many such "problematic types" try similar projects, but they ended up in the "garbage dump" of history. He emphasized that although such individuals maintain their influence for a time, they eventually fade, and the people of the region will overcome these projects in the long term.

Turkey's Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts Against Israel

Regarding whether Turkey would take new diplomatic steps to ensure Israel's accountability, Fidan pointed out that diplomatic efforts are ongoing. He mentioned the ongoing work and consultations within the Contact Group formed by seven countries, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League.

Fidan also noted that while the ceasefire has reached a certain stage, the two-state solution should not fall off the agenda. He concluded by emphasizing that the people of the region understand very well how the Palestinian issue is a source of instability and conflict.

Foreign Minister Fidan emphasized that the path to a lasting solution lies in implementing a two-state solution where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security. He reiterated that Turkey, along with the international community and regional countries, is ready to provide all necessary support for this. Fidan noted that efforts in this direction will continue, with various consultations and projects underway, which will be implemented in the coming weeks and months.

"International Support for the Palestinian Cause at Its Highest Level Due to Genocide"

Responding to a question about whether the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza has led to increased international support for the Palestinian cause, Fidan stated, "Firstly, the martyrdom of so many innocent women and children has brought two things to light: the international support and awareness for the Palestinian cause have reached their highest level in modern times. Unfortunately, this happened as a result of genocide." He further remarked, "On the other hand, I regret to say that the inability of the international community to prevent something they so strongly oppose shows the dysfunction and helplessness of the international system."

Fidan stressed that the international community and system must take steps to address their own weaknesses, dysfunctions, and failures, and that the steps to be taken regarding the Palestinian issue present a good opportunity for this. He also mentioned that Turkey has made the necessary calls to the international community for the fair and lasting resolution of this issue, continuing to take political, diplomatic, and humanitarian initiatives, whether open or closed.

"A Two-State Solution Based on the 1967 Borders Will Relieve the Region"

Fidan, noting that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is also highly sensitive to this issue, stated, "A two-state solution based on the 1967 borders will not only relieve the regional countries but also restore the Palestinians' right to establish a dignified state and reduce global conflict risks." He added, "Any mindset opposed to such a permanent good is a satanic mindset, and we must watch it carefully."

Fidan emphasized that the international community is facing a mindset that threatens humanity as a whole. He concluded by pointing out that the conscience of humanity has seen and understood this mindset, recognized its goals, and will respond accordingly.

Fidan highlighted that the recent UN vote on Palestine received over 145 votes, which he described as an immense show of support. He expressed hope that this support would translate into practical actions.

"Despite Humanity's Progress, Sadly, the Law of the Jungle Still Prevails"

Responding to why the international community was unable to stop Israel for over a year and a half, Fidan pointed out that Israel has received unconditional support from the US and the West, turning the issue into a matter of power rather than justice, rights, and law. He stated that those with more power often cause bloodshed, regardless of whether they are right or wrong, referring to this as the "law of the jungle." He emphasized that while humanity has evolved in moral, legal, and systemic ways over thousands of years, the law of the jungle still prevails in the end.

Efforts to Protect the Identity of Jerusalem

On the issue of Jerusalem's identity, Fidan underlined that Jerusalem is a significant symbol in the Palestinian cause. He condemned attempts to change the city's identity, stating that the complete Judaization of Jerusalem and the removal of its international, Muslim, and Christian identities, as well as the imposition of a single religious approach, is unacceptable. Fidan mentioned Turkey's close collaboration with Jordan and its support for Amman's stance, as well as efforts to build strong relations with Islamic countries on this issue.

He pointed out that Israel continues to take provocative steps in Jerusalem, aided by international support, and emphasized that Jerusalem could be a city of peace and convergence representing all three monotheistic religions. However, he criticized Israel for insisting on erasing all symbols belonging to both Muslims and Christians, aiming to dominate the city.

Fidan firmly stated that this cycle of oppression will eventually break, asserting that things cannot continue as they are.

Mahmoud Abbas's Speech at the Turkish Grand National Assembly

Fidan also referred to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s speech in the Turkish Grand National Assembly in August 2024, describing it as a historic moment.

Fidan, recalling that he was also present in the Turkish Grand National Assembly and listened to Abbas's speech, stated that Abbas's speech was applauded by all members of parliament, which is a clear indication of the support given to him.

Minister Fidan said, "While our country is divided on many issues, showing unity and solidarity on the Palestine issue, and the Turkish Grand National Assembly demonstrating this to Mr. Abbas, in my opinion, was a historic moment. This was important in terms of symbolism. This fire will not be extinguished, and this support will never end. In the coming days, we will have new meetings, new gatherings."

Fidan emphasized that Turkey’s support for the Palestinian administration continues without interruption and noted that every possible support will continue to be provided to the Palestinians in the future. Fidan also underlined that President Erdoğan is very sensitive about this issue and mentioned that cooperation efforts with other Islamic countries are ongoing.

He stated, "Whatever we can do to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians, to ease their burden, we will continue to do so." When asked, "Should we expect a visit to the State of Palestine or Palestinian territories soon?" he responded, "Honestly, I would like to come to the State of Palestine. If conditions are suitable, I have no problem with that."

Fidan reminded that from the very first day of the war, efforts for mediation and negotiation were underway. He stated that in addition to the ceasefire, it was emphasized that a two-state solution should also be worked on, saying: "We acted as mediators for the ceasefire. We wanted this conflict to stop, for a ceasefire to be in place, and for death to cease. But what we saw was that unless a lasting solution is found, we will continue to face bigger wars. Therefore, as soon as this war started, we immediately paired the ceasefire with the two-state solution so that we would never see this war again. Look, we need to find a political solution to this issue. The way for Israelis to live in peace in the region for many years, the way for Palestinians to live, and the way to prevent further provocation in the region goes through here."

Fidan stressed that everyone with reason, logic, common sense, and conscience agrees on this, and added, "But if you are the owner of a project that wants to take not only Palestinian land but also land from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, and expand Israel’s territory, then of course you won’t want a two-state solution, you will delay it. As you did in Oslo since '93, you wait for the right times. At every appropriate moment, you expand your land, you expand it again at every suitable time Fidan, noting that along with this risk, those expanding their land (Israel) are inevitably facing the risk of shrinking and losing their own land if they do not turn toward peace, stated the following:

"That’s why I’m saying, this is the moment, this is the time. While the Islamic world, the Arab world, and the people of the region are already behind the two-state solution, and after such a solution, when everyone is ready to recognize Israel and cooperate, it needs to be utilized. I know that there are reasonable people in Israel who stand behind this issue."

Fidan explained that the current prevailing strategic culture is expansionist and that peace negotiations, ceasefire negotiations, and any other matters are simply used as a tool for expansionism.

He pointed out that there is no sincerity in any matter, stating that the people of the region also see this, and that no one is saying anything due to the unconditional support from the United States, and this is the essence of the issue.
Fidan mentioned that this is known by everyone, and that this reality is being lived, but he could not predict how much the world and the region could bear this reality.

"Let the Palestinian people be hopeful"

Minister Fidan said, "The Palestinian people should be hopeful. God willing, with the support of the whole world, not just the Arabs and Muslims, but all the oppressed, all the reasonable and conscientious countries will stand by the Palestinian people."

He emphasized the need to resist this oppression, stating that everyone is against this oppression in their hearts and on their tongues.

Fidan highlighted that the whole world has united on the Palestinian issue and that this oppression cannot continue in this way, stating that very different consequences will occur worldwide.

He said that it is impossible to fully feel the suffering of the Palestinian people, but that the same difficulties, problems, and anguish are shared with them. He stressed that this is a duty both as a Muslim and as a human.
Fidan concluded, "There are many countries and people who feel like us. As long as their sentiments and views are in the right place, and as long as they have the means, they will continue to offer every kind of support to the Palestinian cause. We may also see political events in the world beginning to take a new shape through the Palestinian cause. International relations have this nature. An event happening somewhere might not produce a result there, but its effects can trigger other events elsewhere. I sincerely believe that the blood of the thousands of innocent women, children, and civilians who were martyred and murdered will lead to great blessings in other parts of the world, and I already see that blessing."."