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Report: Israeli, Turkish officials meeting again to continue reconciliation talks
Israeli and Turkish officials will reportedly meet today in Geneva, in the latest discussions to restore ties after diplomatic relations were severed six years ago.
In 2010, the previously warm relationship between Israel and Turkey deteriorated and diplomatic relations were ceded after the deaths of ten Turkish citizens who were killed whilst trying to prevent Israeli commandos taking over a Gaza-bound protest ship, the Mavi Marmara. In 2013, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paved the way for reconciliation by issuing an apology. It is thought that arrangements were made in 2014 over a compensation deal for the families of those killed aboard the Mavi Marmara. Although subsequent talks resumed last year, a number of outstanding issues remain.
Haaretz says that discussions will resume today in Geneva. Israel will apparently be represented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s envoy Joseph Ciechanover and acting National Security Advisor Jacob Nagel. Meanwhile, Turkish broadcaster NTV said that the country’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu is travelling to Geneva to attend the meeting.
According to Haaretz, two issues are yet to be resolved. The first is Turkey’s demand for free access to the Gaza Strip, including by sea. Israel is strongly opposed to such a move, as it would undermine the restrictions Israel places on goods entering Gaza for security reasons. In addition, Egypt opposes Turkish influence in the Gaza Strip. The second issue is Israel’s demand that Turkey close Hamas offices in the country. Late last year, Turkey expelled senior Hamas official Saleh al-Aruri. Based in Istanbul since 2012, al-Aruri is thought to have directed terror attacks against Israelis in the West Bank, including the high-profile kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in summer 2014. However, Israel believes that Hamas still operates a command centre in Istanbul.
The Geneva talks come just weeks after Israel, Greece and Cyprus pledged to work closely together on a range of common regional issues, including energy and infrastructure.