ADVERTISEMENT

Turkey's President says US Jerusalem move 'plays into hands' of terrorists

"Such a step will only play into the hands of terror groups," Erdogan said at a joint news conference in Ankara after talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II.

"This mistaken step... will lead to public outrage in the entire Islamic world, dynamite the ground for peace and ignite new tensions and clashes in our region," he said.

US President Donald Trump was set to announce Wednesday that Washington would recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and that it would move the US embassy from Tel Aviv, a plan that has caused consternation in the Islamic world and beyond.

The Turkish presidency said earlier that Erdogan was calling a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the main pan-Islamic body, in Istanbul on December 13 to discuss the move.

ADVERTISEMENT

King Abdullah, who had been personally informed by Trump of the move by telephone, backed Erdogan's warnings and said East Jerusalem must be the capital of a future Palestinian state.

"There is no alternative to a two-state solution," Abdullah said, speaking in English.

Abdullah said he had told Trump of "our concerns" over the decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem during their telephone call.

He added that it was "imperative now to work fast" to reach a final status solution and a peace agreement between Palestinians and Israelis.

ADVERTISEMENT

"This must allow the Palestinians to establish an independent state side by side with Israel and its capital in East Jerusalem."

He also warned that ignoring Muslim rights in Jerusalem "will only fuel further extremism and undermine the war against terrorism."

Last year, Turkey and Israel ended a rift triggered by Israel's deadly storming in 2010 of a Gaza-bound ship that left 10 Turkish activists dead and led to a downgrading of diplomatic ties.

The two sides have since stepped up cooperation, in particular in energy, but Erdogan, who regards himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause, is still often bitterly critical of Israeli policy.

The United States supports a strong relationship between Turkey, the key Muslim member of NATO, and Israel, which is Washington's main ally in the Middle East.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Edo Chief Judge orders release of inmate held 4 yrs due to missing case file

Edo Chief Judge orders release of inmate held 4 yrs due to missing case file

PHOTOS: Mass protest rocks PDP HQ with 'Damagun must go' placards ahead of NEC meeting

PHOTOS: Mass protest rocks PDP HQ with 'Damagun must go' placards ahead of NEC meeting

Troops rescue pregnant Chibok girl with her 3 kids after 10 years in captivity

Troops rescue pregnant Chibok girl with her 3 kids after 10 years in captivity

BREAKING: Fed. High Court nullifies verdict upholding Ganduje's suspension as APC chairman

BREAKING: Fed. High Court nullifies verdict upholding Ganduje's suspension as APC chairman

EFCC threatens military option to arrest Yahaya Bello from Kogi Gov't House

EFCC threatens military option to arrest Yahaya Bello from Kogi Gov't House

Ex-Gov Yahaya seeks to annul arrest warrant, EFCC pushes for arraignment

Ex-Gov Yahaya seeks to annul arrest warrant, EFCC pushes for arraignment

Yusuf to provide foreign scholarships for indigenes to honour Aminu Kano

Yusuf to provide foreign scholarships for indigenes to honour Aminu Kano

JAMB orders arrest of parents who hang around CBT centres during UTME

JAMB orders arrest of parents who hang around CBT centres during UTME

We'll back Atiku for 2027 presidency, sue him if he declines - Adamawa PDP

We'll back Atiku for 2027 presidency, sue him if he declines - Adamawa PDP

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT