Former Turkish Leader Advocates Gaza Referendum to Join Türkiye as Autonomous Region
Istanbul, Türkiye — In a provocative political move, former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has called for a referendum in the Gaza Strip to determine whether the embattled enclave should become an autonomous territory under Türkiye’s governance “until a Palestinian state is established.” The proposal, rooted in historical claims tied to the Ottoman Empire, has ignited debate across geopolitical spheres.
Davutoglu’s Historical Argument
Speaking at a conference in Istanbul, Davutoglu, who served as Türkiye’s prime minister from 2014 to 2016, asserted that Gaza’s historical connection to the Ottoman Empire justifies Ankara’s modern-day custodianship. “Turkiye, as the legitimate successor of the Ottoman Empire, should treat the people of Gaza as friends throughout history and fellow citizens,” he stated. “Let the people of Gaza hold a referendum and join Türkiye as an autonomous region until a Palestinian state is established. The decision is up to the people of Gaza.”Davutoglu, now leader of the opposition Future Party, emphasized that the British Mandate (1920–1948) and Israel’s occupation of Gaza violated international law, rendering both illegitimate. His remarks align with Türkiye’s long-standing criticism of Israeli policies in Palestinian territories, though his call for annexation marks a significant escalation.
Opposition Backing and Historical Context
The Future Party’s leadership swiftly endorsed Davutoglu’s proposal, citing Gaza’s status as part of the Ottoman Empire from 1516 until the British seized control post-World War I. “The Gaza Strip was unlawfully severed from Ottoman lands,” a party spokesperson said. “Today, Türkiye has a moral obligation to protect Gaza’s people until their sovereignty is restored.”Historical records confirm Ottoman rule over Gaza for four centuries, with the region later falling under Egyptian administration (1948–1967), Israeli occupation (1967–2005), and eventual Hamas governance after 2007.
Political and Legal Hurdles
The proposal faces steep legal and diplomatic challenges. International law experts question its feasibility, noting that referendums on territorial status require recognition by governing bodies. Hamas, which controls Gaza, has not commented, while Palestinian Authority officials dismissed the idea as a “distraction from achieving statehood.”Israeli officials criticized the move as “inflammatory,” reiterating claims to Gaza’s security control. Meanwhile, Türkiye’s government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has not formally endorsed the plan, though Erdogan has vocally supported Palestinian statehood in recent years.
Global Reactions and Feasibility Analysis
Regional analysts remain skeptical. “This proposal seems more symbolic than practical,” said Istanbul-based political scientist Dr. Leyla Aydin. “While it reinforces Türkiye’s pro-Palestine stance, implementing it would require unprecedented international consensus.”The United Nations and Arab League have yet to respond, but the suggestion risks complicating Türkiye’s diplomatic relations, particularly with Egypt and Israel.
Conclusion: A Controversial Vision
Davutoglu’s referendum idea underscores Türkiye’s ambition to reclaim influence in former Ottoman territories. However, with Gaza’s political fragmentation and ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions, the proposal’s path forward remains murky. As debates over historical legitimacy versus modern self-determination intensify, the international community watches closely for reactions from Gaza’s residents—whose voices remain central to any resolution.Ahmet Davutoglu Gaza referendum, Türkiye autonomous territory, Ottoman Empire Gaza Strip, Future Party proposal, Palestinian statehood, British Mandate, Israeli occupation.