The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, made a controversial proposal to Turkey on Thursday, suggesting it should provide refuge to members of the Palestinian group Hamas from the Gaza Strip. This statement comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey, as reported by France Presse and Agerpres.
Katz emphasized Israel’s commitment to fulfilling its security objectives, ensuring that the threat posed by Hamas’s October 7 attack—which resulted in over 1,200 deaths—does not resurface. He stated on X, “Israel will continue to act to fully achieve its security goals.”
In a sarcastic tone, Katz remarked that if Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to assist his allies in Gaza, he should invite them to settle in Antalya, a resort area in southern Turkey. “There is plenty of space available there due to the absence of Israeli tourists,” he added, highlighting the recent deterioration in relations.
Antalya was once a favored destination for Israeli tourists, but relations between the two nations have soured in recent years. Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel, yet Erdogan has been a vocal critic and has allowed Hamas leaders to operate from Turkish territory.
Israeli Military Prepared for Further Action
Earlier in August, Israel targeted an airbase in northern Syria near the Turkish border, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Ankara of attempting to establish a military presence there. Turkey denied such claims, regularly accusing Israel of trying to destabilize Syria.
Katz also mentioned that approximately 70% of Gaza’s residents have already been displaced from their homes. He asserted that the Israeli military is ready to “finish the job” to implement a migration plan. In September, Katz noted that while Israel is prepared to evacuate Gaza’s population, it is awaiting approval from the United States.
