Turkey’s unequivocal support for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel is having a significant impact on the already strained relations between the two nations. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other Turkish politicians have been increasingly critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, leading to a deterioration in diplomatic ties. This article provides a timeline of the rocky relationship between Turkey and Israel, highlighting key events that have shaped their interactions over the years.
The tensions between Turkey and Israel can be traced back to the infamous Mavi Marmara incident in 2010. Israeli commandos stormed the Turkish aid ship, resulting in the deaths of 10 Turkish activists who were attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza. This event marked a turning point in the relationship between the two countries, leading to a decade of strained ties.
In recent weeks, Erdogan has been especially vocal in his condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. He severed ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that he is no longer someone Turkey can communicate with. Erdogan’s remarks indicate a significant setback in the efforts to mend relations between the two nations.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry recalled its ambassador to Israel, citing Israel’s refusal to accept a ceasefire, ongoing attacks against civilians, and hindrance of humanitarian aid. This move further escalated tensions between the two countries, resulting in a sharp decline in trade volume. Turkey’s trade minister reported a 50% decrease in trade between the two nations since October 7.
Despite the recent strains, it is important to note that Turkey and Israel have had historically complex but generally beneficial relations. Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel’s sovereignty in 1949, just a year after its establishment. Over the years, there have been moments of cooperation, particularly in the areas of defense and intelligence, as both countries shared concerns about potential threats from neighboring countries.
However, Turkey’s support for Palestinian self-determination has remained constant throughout the years. This unwavering stance has occasionally strained relations with Israel, particularly during times of conflict. Turkey recognized Palestine as a state in 1988, becoming the first country with diplomatic ties with Israel to do so. Despite this recognition, Turkey did not grant the Palestinian envoy full diplomatic status, which led to tensions with Israel.
Over the years, there have been attempts to mend relations between Turkey and Israel. In 2016, a compensation deal was reached, and efforts were made to normalize relations. However, recent events, such as the deadly clashes at the Gaza separation fence and the US decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem, have halted progress in normalizing ties.
President Erdogan’s recent rhetoric and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine have further strained the relationship between Turkey and Israel. Erdogan’s offer to mediate between Hamas and Israel has seemingly dissipated in recent days, indicating a further setback in the efforts to improve relations. It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact the future of Turkish-Israeli relations.
In conclusion, Turkey’s unwavering support for Palestine has significantly strained its relationship with Israel. The recent escalation in tensions, coupled with Erdogan’s strong rhetoric, has led to a deterioration in diplomatic ties. The historical context and key events highlighted in this article provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between Turkey and Israel. The future of their relations remains uncertain as the conflict in Gaza continues to unfold.
