Levent Kenez
Nordic Monitor, Nov. 19, 2024
“I am in a war. I do not have the luxury of showing my feelings.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during a November 15 interview broadcast on A Haber, a government-aligned television channel run by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s family, stated that he is “in a war” and has “no luxury to show feelings” when asked about his emotional response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Fidan also emphasized Turkey’s preparations for potential uncertainties under US President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration.
In the interview, which was filled with praise for Trump, Fidan issued a warning about the potential for broader conflict if meaningful consequences are not imposed on Israel and its supporters for their actions in Gaza. He emphasized, “Countries in the Middle East that fail to take necessary initiatives on this matter may face significant problems. There is substantial grassroots and public pressure, but unless a sufficient cost is incurred, there is no halt to these actions. This could lead to a larger war and widespread issues, both in the East and the West.”
Fidan addressed the ongoing situation in Gaza, condemning what he described as plans for the complete expulsion of Palestinians from the territory, their displacement to the Sinai Desert or Lebanon and the occupation of the West Bank. He added, “The process seems to be moving toward a point where, if there is no Palestine left, there will be no ‘Palestinian issue’ either.” … [To read the full article, click here]