I Hope Future Decisions Will Take the Situation in a Completely Different Direction: Erdogan

U.S. President Joe Biden must prove that his recently articulated phased settlement plan for the Middle East is not just a pre-election investment but reflects a genuine desire to solve the issue. This was stated by Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a press conference following his trips to Spain and Italy.

“Naturally, there are expectations that Mr. Biden will demonstrate that this plan is not simply a pre-election investment but a real and sincere step taken to stop the massacre in Palestine. The UN Security Council resolution is a step, but it is not enough. We know how many of the Council's decisions have been ignored by Israel,” Erdogan's words are quoted by Anadolu Agency.

The Turkish president also noted that “the U.S. is concerned about Israel's growing arrogance,” although “the American administration has not openly expressed dissatisfaction.” He added, “Voices of society in American universities, streets, among students and rectors indicate that a certain transformation has begun. And that seriously worries Israel.”

Erdogan stated that he is pleased with the settlement initiative, but “it is not enough to attract the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to the Palestinian side.” He added, “But now everyone is convinced that the situation will no longer develop as before. I hope that in the context of the upcoming elections in the U.S., the atmosphere (around Palestine) will change. I hope that together we will take the right steps, and the future decisions of the UN Security Council will take the situation in a completely different direction.”

On May 31, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the terms of a new agreement for a settlement in the Gaza Strip, consisting of three phases. The first phase is set for six weeks and involves a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories, and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Additionally, during this period, the parties are expected to begin negotiations, and the ceasefire regime will remain in effect until an understanding is reached. The second phase includes the release of all hostages, including servicemen. The third phase involves the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the transfer of the remains of deceased Israelis to their relatives.