Turkish Prime Minister said broken ties with Israel could only be mended after it lifts its embargo on Gaza, warning that his country’s navy may escort future aid convoys to the besieged Gaza Strip for lack of trust of Israel.
Erdogan said that Turkey had been very patient with its once strong ally Israel even after Israel’s attack on a Gaza aid convoy that killed eight Turks strained relations.
“I can clearly and frankly state that the relations between Israel and Turkey had been broken on the basis of an issue that was caused by Israel, which began when the flotilla bearing humanitarian aid was trying to get to Gaza. It had passengers from 33 different countries and was attacked both from the sea and the air,” Erdogan said.
“We have been very patient. We demand an official apology, compensation [to the victims’ families] and an end to the blockade on Gaza once and for all,” the Turkish premier added.
Erdogan also reiterated an earlier declaration that Turkish naval ships could escort future Gaza aid flotillas.
