Israel and Turkey restore diplomatic relations: what about the Palestinians?
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a visit to Sochi, Russia, August 5, 2022 (photo illustration).
AP - Vyacheslav Prokofyev
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
After more than a decade of rupture, Israel and Turkey announced on Wednesday August 17 the full restoration of their diplomatic relations and the return of ambassadors to the two countries.
"
An important asset for regional stability, and new economic opportunities for the citizens of Israel
," immediately reacted Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid in a statement.
What about the Palestinians?
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With our correspondent in Ramallah,
Alice Froussard
In the wake of the announcement of the restoration of relations between Israel and Turkey, the head of Turkish diplomacy hastened to recall: “
We will continue to defend the rights of the Palestinians, of Jerusalem and of Gaza.
And he assures him, Turkey's messages on the Palestinian question "
will be transmitted directly through the ambassador
".
It must be said that the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is a defender of the Palestinian cause.
He has often criticized Israel's policies towards the Palestinians, maintains ties with Hamas - harboring some of its senior figures - and, just over a week ago, Turkey strongly condemned Israeli raids on Gaza, including those causing the death of civilians and children.
🇮🇱🇹🇷 #Israel and #Turkey announced the full restoration of their diplomatic relations after 12 years of cold.
But #Ankara immediately affirmed its desire to "continue to defend" the #Palestinians.
pic.twitter.com/nKBePc6giN
— FRANCE 24 French (@France24_fr) August 17, 2022
But this new chapter in diplomatic relations with Israel, although expected by most, is not viewed favorably by the Palestinians.
On social networks, the Palestinians who speak out criticize Ankara, point out that this thaw in relations proves what the Turkish priorities are in the equation.
But few Palestinians are really interested in this news.
"
We weren't expecting much, but we wanted to see
," said a resident of Ramallah.
Hamas, for its part, was quick to react: "
Any normalization with the Israeli occupier is a legitimization of their presence on our lands
", affirms Basem Naim, one of the leaders of the movement in power in the Gaza Strip. .
“
We expect Arab and Muslim countries and our friends to isolate Israel and put pressure on the legitimate rights of the Palestinians to be respected
,” he continued.
►
To read also Turkey / Israel: "These are two regional powers which have no interest in entering into conflict"
►Also listen: Turkey, a major strategic player
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Israel
Turkey
Palestinian territories
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Yair Lapid