Israel and Turkey have reached a deal to normalize ties, ending a six-year rift.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday in Rome a maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip will remain in place, but humanitarian aid could reach Gaza through Israeli ports. The Israeli leader met Sunday with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Rome before the announcement.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Monday in Ankara the agreement largely lifts the blockade.
Ties between the two countries broke down in 2010 over Israel’s interception of a Turkish aid ship bound for Gaza, which was under a blockade because of the Hamas militant group’s leadership there. Ten Turkish activists were killed in the incident and Turkey demanded compensation and an end to the blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Diplomatic relations
Under the new deal, Israel and Turkey will restore full diplomatic relations, exchanging ambassadors “as soon as possible.”
The agreement will allow Turkey to conduct a series of aid projects in Gaza, including the completion of a hospital and the construction of a new power plant.
A senior Israeli official said Sunday that as part of the restoration of normalized ties, Israel has apologized for its lethal raid on the ship and agreed to pay $20 million to the bereaved and injured.
