ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly criticized Israel’s proposed plan to establish a demilitarized buffer zone in Gaza, labeling any conversation around such an idea as “disrespectful to Palestinians,” Al Jazeera reported.
In a press statement, President Erdogan asserted that Gaza’s future should be determined by the Palestinian people themselves, emphasizing their right to control the destiny of the region. Erdogan further defended Hamas, characterizing the group as a legitimate resistance force in the ongoing complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Erdogan Warns Israel Against Targeting Hamas on Turkish Soil
The Turkish leader issued a stern warning to Israel, cautioning against any attempts to target Hamas members on Turkish soil. Erdogan stated that such actions would not be tolerated, and Israel would “pay a heavy price” for any such incursions.
Meanwhile, in the broader diplomatic sphere, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is set to embark on a visit to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from December 8 to 10, according to Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Zakharova outlined Lavrov’s schedule, noting that on December 8-9, the Russian foreign minister will participate in the 14th Sir Bani Yas International Forum on peace and security in Abu Dhabi. Subsequently, on December 10, Lavrov is scheduled to speak at the 21st Doha Forum in Qatar, addressing key regional and global issues.
