Resolving the conflict in Gaza is a critical issue for the Middle East and global peace, said Turkish Ambassador to Korea Murat Tamer in an interview with The Korea Herald on Feb. 12.
Turkey has strongly opposed US President Donald Trump's proposal for the US to "take over" Gaza and "resettle" Palestinians elsewhere, calling it "unacceptable" and reaffirming Turkey's commitment to Palestinian rights.
Before departing for Malaysia on Feb. 10, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed US proposals on Gaza as unworthy of attention. Erdogan claimed the proposals have exacerbated tensions in the region.
“I would like to mention what our president said yesterday before his trip to Malaysia,” said the ambassador, stating firmly that unless the Israeli-Palestinian issue is resolved, peace in the Middle East will remain unattainable.
“If there is no peace in the Middle East, there will not be regional or global peace,” Tamer warned, comparing the crisis to a powder keg.
“If you take just one scoop from the powder and throw it anywhere in the world — Germany, America or the Middle East — it will ignite,” he said.
Lamenting the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, he said, "That land belongs to them," citing international agreements.
Israel must return to its 1967 borders, Tamer stressed, citing a UN resolution and a broad international consensus.
“We are ready to do whatever is possible. We have good contacts with Palestinian authorities, Arab nations and the Muslim world. We are doing what we can,” he said, adding that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is actively involved and reaffirming Turkey’s readiness to engage in all possible initiatives for peace.
Asked about North Korea’s opposition to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to "take over" the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians, Tamer affirmed that it aligns with Turkey's own position, though he did not refer to North Korea by name.
“They are against a forceful movement of people from their hometown, homeland, to other places. So, does any country, any people, or any institution say something opposing this? This is good,” he told The Korea Herald.
He also welcomed Trump's willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to ease tensions, saying peace efforts from Trump, China or other parties are appreciated.
But recalling past Trump-Kim meetings, he also noted the failed 2019 summit in Vietnam.
“Hanoi was not a pleasing event for Kim Jong-un,” according to Tamer.
“Five or six years ago, North Korea was not the same North Korea as now,” he said, adding that dialogue, if held in the future, will not be easy.
“But any dialogue is better than war,” he told The Korea Herald.
Tamer suggested that major geopolitical shifts are unlikely, asserting that despite heightened global tensions and uncertainty, the fundamental balance of power remains intact.
“Big countries like the US, Russia and China are like massive ships. They don’t just turn instantly — it takes time,” he said, noting that even as Trump’s policies draw controversy, alliances remain crucial.
“In today’s world, no country can stand alone. America is great, but it is great with its partners. We are great with our partners. Everyone depends on alliances,” he said, citing Russia’s reliance on North Korean support in its conflict with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, acknowledging South Korea’s growing influence on the global stage, Tamer highlighted the potential role Seoul could play in peace efforts.
“South Korea and Turkey share a very strong brotherhood-like diplomatic relationship,” he said.
“Korea is a frontrunner as a responsible nation in the world in terms of humanitarian aid and diplomacy,” he noted, emphasizing South Korea’s influence as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
According to Tamer, Korea's involvement in world affairs in any form would significantly contribute to peace and have a positive impact.
“They (South Koreans) have significant influence in the UN. I hope our Korean brothers can resolve their internal issues as quickly as possible and become more involved in the global arena.”
sanjaykumar@heraldcorp.com
