Relations between Turkey and Israel are strained, Ankara withdraws its ambassador from Tel Aviv

2023-11-04 14:34:51Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Relations between Turkey and Israel are strained, Ankara withdraws its

Turkey withdraws its ambassador from Israel. This decision comes amid tensions between the two countries and the statements of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

The news was announced by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a post on the 'X' platform, it cites "the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza due to continued Israeli attacks on civilians and Israel's rejection of calls for a ceasefire" as the reason for its move.

In the immediate aftermath of the October 7 attacks, Ankara engaged in intensive diplomacy to push the sides to de-escalate and prevent a wider confrontation. Using balanced rhetoric, he called on both sides to exercise restraint as Israeli bombardment devastated parts of Gaza and Hamas continued to fire rockets into Israel. Turkish officials also said they were willing to mediate between the parties in the service of de-escalation and work toward a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders — potentially with Ankara and other outside actors serving as guarantors.

Turkey's government has reportedly asked top Hamas leaders, including Chairman Ismail Haniyeh, to leave the country, but Ankara has denied doing so, likely seeking to avoid condemnation from pro-Hamas domestic constituencies.

As Israel's military campaign has expanded, Turkey has become more critical of it. Reflecting overwhelming public opinion, Turkish officials see the campaign as wildly disproportionate and outside the bounds of a justified response to the October 7 attacks.


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