Turkey, Israel to Renew Diplomatic Ties

Relations between Turkey and Israel, severed following an incident with a Turkish flotilla bound for Palestine, will be restored, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Y?ld?r?m and Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu have confirmed.

His statement follows reports by Sabah newspaper saying that the six-year rift between the two countries is about to end with a reconciliation, with Israel substantially lifting the blockade on Gaza.

Netanyahu, however, has noted the blockade will remain in force except for humanitarian shipments.

Turkey will now be allowed to send aid to Gaza, with the first packages due next Friday.

An exchange of ambassadors is expected to follow soon, according to Y?ld?r?m.

With the world and the region going through enormous changes, it is important to create islands of stability, the Jerusalem Post quotes Netanyahu as saying in Rome, in a statement simultaneous with the one issued by the Turkish Prime Minister.

Nine activists were killed by Israeli commandos during a raid on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, set up by a Turkish relief foundation, as the six vessels were approaching Gaza with the intention to break the blockade on the strip. 

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!