Iran Press/ Asia: Last week, Israel and Turkey announced they were restoring full diplomatic relations in the latest step in months of reconciliation between the two countries.
Turkey and Israel were once close regional allies, but the relationship disintegrated under Erdogan, who has been an outspoken critic of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians. Israel, in turn, has objected to Turkey's embrace of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the comments during a visit by the head of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, who arrived in Ankara just one week after Turkey and Israel announced their decision to restore full diplomatic relations and reappoint ambassadors for the first time since 2018.
"The steps taken in our relations with Israel will in no way reduce our support for the Palestinian cause," Erdogan said. "On the contrary, our Palestinian brothers also express that these steps will contribute to a solution to the Palestinian issue and improve the situation of the Palestinian people."
“The steps taken in our relations with Israel will in no way reduce our support for the Palestinian cause,” Erdogan said. “On the contrary, our Palestinian brothers also express that these measures will contribute to a solution to the Palestinian issue and improve the situation of the Palestinian people.”
Abbas did not comment directly on Turkey’s rapprochement with Israel but thanked Ankara for its “unwavering” support for the Palestinians.
“We are aware of their support for their legitimate rights, freedom, and independence,” Abbas said. “We know that Turkey and its institutions stand with the Palestinian people and the Palestinian state in all areas, and support them on the international stage.” 219
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