Özgür Özel had criticized his silence: Ahmet Hakan's advice to Erdoğan following Trump's Gaza remarks
Hürriyet Editor-in-Chief Ahmet Hakan, known for his proximity to the government, has called on AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, arguing that not giving a harsh response to Trump's Gaza remarks is the correct strategy.
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Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel had reacted to AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for remaining silent on US President Donald Trump's remarks regarding Palestine.
While Erdoğan's silence continues, Hürriyet Editor-in-Chief Ahmet Hakan, known for his proximity to the government, offered advice to Erdoğan in his column today.
"Mr. President. It is very correct that you are not giving a destructive response to Trump," said Hakan, adding, "Do not pay any attention to the opposition saying 'You are silent, why aren't you responding.' They are not asking for this for the good of Gaza. They are aiming to eliminate the potential for dialogue you could establish with Trump."
Hakan noted the following in the remainder of his article:
"Mr. President. Do not give Trump the response he deserves. The greatest good you can do for Gaza does not come from giving Trump a substantial response. The greatest good you can do for Gaza comes from the dialogue you will establish with Trump.
Mr. President. The dialogue you will establish with Trump is in the interest of Gaza. The whole world knows this: You will speak with Trump as the 'representative of Gaza.'
Also, do not forget this: An Erdoğan who shows the harshest reaction to Trump would please Netanyahu immensely. An Erdoğan who establishes dialogue with Trump, however, would worry Netanyahu, even if only a little."