BICOM

Turkey’s parliament has formally endorsed a reconciliation agreement with Israel, bringing an end to a six-year freeze in diplomatic relations.

Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim confirmed on Saturday that parliamentary approval for the deal had been secured. Shortly afterwards, Yildirim’s number two, Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek said via social media that: “The reconciliation agreement with Israel is good for Turkey and for the entire region,” adding “I expect to visit Israel during my next round of international visits”.

The text of the agreement approved by Turkey’s parliament specifies that Israel will pay Turkey around £15 million in compensation within 25 days, while any legal case against Israeli individuals involved in the Mavi Marmara incident which sparked the cessation of diplomatic ties, will be dropped by Turkey.

Also under the agreement, Turkish aid will reach Gaza via Israel’s Ashdod port and Turkey will also help build a hospital, power plant and desalination plant in Gaza. Meanwhile, Turkey has agreed that terror groups such as Hamas will not be able to use the country as a base. Meanwhile, full diplomatic relations and bilateral cooperation will be resumed and the two countries will also work together on developing the region’s natural gas reserves.

In 2010, the previously warm relationship between Israel and Turkey deteriorated and diplomatic relations were ceded after the deaths of ten Turkish citizens who were killed on the Gaza-bound protest ship, the Mavi Marmara, while attempting to prevent Israeli commandos from boarding the vessel. It is thought that arrangements were already made in 2014 over a compensation deal. Subsequent talks resumed last year, including a meeting in London in April.

The reconciliation agreement had already received the approval of Israel’s security cabinet. Various media reports say that the two countries are expected to name ambassadors within the coming days, signifying the full restoration of diplomatic ties.