BICOM

Media reports suggest this morning that Israel and Turkey could soon finalise an agreement over compensation for the families of those killed aboard the Mavi Marmara, paving the way to restoring diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In 2010, the previously warm relationship between Israel and Turkey deteriorated and diplomatic ties were cut after the deaths of nine Turkish citizens who were killed whilst trying to prevent Israeli commandos taking over a Gaza-bound protest ship, the Mavi Marmara. Last year, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paved the way for reconciliation by issuing an apology at the behest of US President Obama.  However, relations between Israel and Turkey have remained strained. Although talks took place several months ago between Israeli and Turkish officials over financial compensation for families of those killed on board the Mavi Marmara, no final agreement was reached.

However, Haaretz this morning cites unnamed senior Israeli officials, who said that a reconciliation agreement could be signed within the coming few days. Israel has apparently offered around £12million in compensation, which will be distributed to the families via a humanitarian fund. Channel Ten said that a Turkish delegation had arrived in Israel on Sunday to conduct negotiations. Meanwhile, the Turkish daily Hurriyet also reported yesterday that a deal is close to being agreed.

According to Haaretz, during a visit to Izmir yesterday, Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arınc said progress in talks between Israel and Turkey had been made and that Turkey is interested in normalizing relations with Israel. The Jerusalem Post says that the agreement of a compensation package would likely shortly be followed by an exchange of ambassadors and the resumption of full diplomatic ties between the two countries. However, there has been no official comment from Israeli officials on the apparent compensation deal.