Erdogan’s Spokesperson Condemns Netanyahu’s Jerusalem Claim, Reaffirms Support for Palestinian Statehood
Ibrahim Kalin, spokesperson for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has vehemently denounced recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the status of Jerusalem. Netanyahu, speaking alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ambassador Mike Huckabee in occupied East Jerusalem on September 15th, directly addressed Erdogan, asserting that Jerusalem belongs solely to Israel and will never be divided, effectively denying the possibility of a Palestinian state. Kalin characterized Netanyahu’s remarks as an attempt to overshadow the “sanctity and spirituality of Jerusalem” with “occupation policies.” He reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Kalin’s response further intensified the already strained relations between Türkiye and Israel, highlighting the deep divisions over the Palestinian issue. He questioned Netanyahu’s authority to speak on Jerusalem, referring to the city by its Arabic name, Quds, and labeling the Israeli Prime Minister as a leader “on trial for war crimes and condemned in the conscience of humanity.” This strong condemnation reflects the widespread international criticism of Israel’s policies in the occupied territories, particularly the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The escalating tensions underscore the complex historical and political context surrounding Jerusalem, a city revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Netanyahu’s pronouncements appear to solidify Israel’s stance against any division of Jerusalem, a position that directly contradicts the Palestinian claim to East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. This hardline approach further complicates international efforts to achieve a two-state solution, a long-standing goal of peace negotiations.
Kalin’s statement also highlighted the devastating situation in Gaza, where the Israeli army’s actions have resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. According to reports, the relentless bombardment since October 2023 has resulted in the deaths of nearly 65,000 Palestinians, a majority of whom were women and children. The ongoing conflict has rendered the enclave uninhabitable, leading to widespread starvation, disease, and displacement. This dire situation has further fueled international condemnation of Israel’s actions and calls for an end to the violence.
The exchange between Netanyahu and Erdogan’s spokesperson reflects the broader geopolitical tensions in the region. Türkiye, under Erdogan’s leadership, has been a vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause, frequently criticizing Israeli policies and advocating for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. Israel, on the other hand, maintains its claim to Jerusalem as its undivided capital and continues its settlement activities in the occupied territories, actions widely considered illegal under international law.
The ongoing conflict and the recent exchange of words underscore the urgent need for a renewed international effort to address the Palestinian issue. The devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the continued occupation of Palestinian territories, and the seemingly intractable disagreements over Jerusalem’s status demand immediate attention from the international community. A sustainable peace in the region requires a just and lasting solution that addresses the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians, including the establishment of a viable Palestinian state and an end to the occupation.