Turkish parliament approves reconciliation deal with Israel
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 20 August 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkish parliament approves reconciliation deal with Israel, 20 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db9a2410.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 20, 2016
The Turkish parliament has approved a reconciliation deal to normalize ties with Israel, paving the way for the two countries to restore diplomatic ties.
Parliament voted to approve the pact early on August 20. The ratification was expected last month, but was delayed because of the July 15 failed coup in Turkey.
The Israeli Cabinet has already approved the deal.
Relations between the once-close allies worsened six years ago after an Israeli naval raid killed ten Turks on board an aid ship trying to breach Israel's blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
Israel now has 25 working days to pay $20 million in compensation to the victims.
Turkey agreed that no individual Israeli nationals will be held criminally or financially liable for the deaths.
The agreement also eases the naval blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, allowing Turkey to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians through Israel's Ashdod port.
Based on reporting by AFP, AP, and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
