3 apr 2013
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In 2010, Mavi-Marmara ship set sail from Turkey for Gaza, full of supplies for the people in the besieged territory.
But it came under attack by the Israeli forces. Nine people were killed and 56 others were severely injured in the attack. The Turkish government suspended its ties with Tel Aviv, demanding an apology. The apology came three years later. But what's the reaction of the charity organization that sponsored Mavi Marmara, to the restoration of ties between Tel Aviv and Ankara. |
29 mar 2013
Israel, Turkey to discuss flotilla raid compensation
Officials from Turkey and Israel will meet next week for talks on compensation for the families of victims of a deadly 2010 flotilla raid for which Israel apologized last week, the deputy prime minister said Friday.
"A delegation from Israel will travel to Turkey next week to work out the compensation issue," Bulent Arinc said in televised remarks.
Ties between Israel and Turkey plummeted in May 2010 when Israeli commandos staged a botched pre-dawn raid on a six-ship flotilla to the Gaza Strip, killing nine Turkish nationals.
The assault triggered an international outcry and severely damaged relations between regional allies Turkey and Israel, with Ankara demanding a formal apology and compensation for the families of the victims.
Arinc declined to say how much compensation would be paid out by Israel, adding the exact amount would be clarified after talks with the lawyers of victims' families.
Until last week, Israel had refused to apologize for the raid and had instead expressed regret for the deaths.
But last Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Turkey, a breakthrough brokered by US President Barak Obama during his visit to Israel.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accepted the apology "in the name of the Turkish people" but said the country's future relationship would depend on Israel.
"A delegation from Israel will travel to Turkey next week to work out the compensation issue," Bulent Arinc said in televised remarks.
Ties between Israel and Turkey plummeted in May 2010 when Israeli commandos staged a botched pre-dawn raid on a six-ship flotilla to the Gaza Strip, killing nine Turkish nationals.
The assault triggered an international outcry and severely damaged relations between regional allies Turkey and Israel, with Ankara demanding a formal apology and compensation for the families of the victims.
Arinc declined to say how much compensation would be paid out by Israel, adding the exact amount would be clarified after talks with the lawyers of victims' families.
Until last week, Israel had refused to apologize for the raid and had instead expressed regret for the deaths.
But last Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Turkey, a breakthrough brokered by US President Barak Obama during his visit to Israel.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accepted the apology "in the name of the Turkish people" but said the country's future relationship would depend on Israel.
27 mar 2013
Bennett: Erdogan making Israel regret apology
Habayit Hayehudi chairman criticizes Israeli-Turkish reconciliation; 'No country is doing Israel a favor by renewing ties with it,' he says, warning that responses to terrorism will be severe.
Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's apology to Turkey for the 2010 flotilla incident, coalition partner Naftali Bennett warned that Israel's response to future terrorism "would be no less severe."
"Since the apology was made public it appears that Erdogan is doing everything in his power to make Israel regret its apology, while running a personal and tactless campaign at the expense of Israel-Turkey relations," Bennett said.
The Habayit Hayehudi chairman and economy and trade minister posted the comments on his Facebook page, further stating that "To be sure, no country is doing Israel a favor by renewing ties with it."
Following last week's Israeli-Turkish reconciliation, Erdogan clarified on Tuesday that the normalization of relations between the two nations would only occur if Israel implemented its side of the deal with Turkey.
"We are waiting to see what will happen on the ground soon. If they (Israelis) show positive and promising steps – we will do our part as well," he said.
Israel and Turkey are in disagreement over the compensation the Jewish state is to pay to the families of the nine Turkish nationals who were killed during the IDF raid on the Gaza-bound ship.
Israel wants to pay a total of $1 million to the families, while Turkey is demanding that each family receive $1 million.
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni discussed the compensation with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The countries agreed to set up a joint committee to deal with the compensation issue.
The committee will be headed by Feridun Sinirlioglu, undersecretary of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a former ambassador to Israel, as well as by Netanyahu's National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror and Attorney Joseph Ciechanover, the prime minister's special envoy.
Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's apology to Turkey for the 2010 flotilla incident, coalition partner Naftali Bennett warned that Israel's response to future terrorism "would be no less severe."
"Since the apology was made public it appears that Erdogan is doing everything in his power to make Israel regret its apology, while running a personal and tactless campaign at the expense of Israel-Turkey relations," Bennett said.
The Habayit Hayehudi chairman and economy and trade minister posted the comments on his Facebook page, further stating that "To be sure, no country is doing Israel a favor by renewing ties with it."
Following last week's Israeli-Turkish reconciliation, Erdogan clarified on Tuesday that the normalization of relations between the two nations would only occur if Israel implemented its side of the deal with Turkey.
"We are waiting to see what will happen on the ground soon. If they (Israelis) show positive and promising steps – we will do our part as well," he said.
Israel and Turkey are in disagreement over the compensation the Jewish state is to pay to the families of the nine Turkish nationals who were killed during the IDF raid on the Gaza-bound ship.
Israel wants to pay a total of $1 million to the families, while Turkey is demanding that each family receive $1 million.
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni discussed the compensation with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The countries agreed to set up a joint committee to deal with the compensation issue.
The committee will be headed by Feridun Sinirlioglu, undersecretary of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a former ambassador to Israel, as well as by Netanyahu's National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror and Attorney Joseph Ciechanover, the prime minister's special envoy.
Israel and Turkey in disagreement over compensation of Marmara victims
A Hebrew newspaper revealed that the Israeli authorities and Turkey are in disagreement over the compensation the Jewish state is to pay to the families of the Turkish victims who were killed during the Israeli attack on the Gaza-bound ship Marmara in May 2010.
Yediot Aharonot newspaper said on Wednesday that the wide gaps that separate the two sides were obvious through the negotiations over the amount of compensation and mechanisms of delivering it to the victims' families.
"Israel agreed to pay $100,000 to each family, while the Turks are demanding $1 million for each of the families of those killed during the commando raid on the Mavi Marmara", the paper reported.
The occupation authorities also want that Ankara does not transfer the money directly to the families. According to the Hebrew newspaper "the money is to be transferred to a humanitarian fund headed by the Turkish government, which will distribute it."
The Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni has discussed on Tuesday the compensation issue with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, and the countries agreed to set up a joint committee to deal with the issue.
A statement by the Turkish Prime Minister stressed that Israeli apology "came according to the Turkish conditions", first and foremost formally apologize to the Turkish people, then compensate the families of the victims, lift the ban on the West Bank and Gaza and allow entry of civilian goods.
According to Erdogan, Turkey insisted on these major conditions for the improvement of relations with Israel.
Yediot Aharonot newspaper said on Wednesday that the wide gaps that separate the two sides were obvious through the negotiations over the amount of compensation and mechanisms of delivering it to the victims' families.
"Israel agreed to pay $100,000 to each family, while the Turks are demanding $1 million for each of the families of those killed during the commando raid on the Mavi Marmara", the paper reported.
The occupation authorities also want that Ankara does not transfer the money directly to the families. According to the Hebrew newspaper "the money is to be transferred to a humanitarian fund headed by the Turkish government, which will distribute it."
The Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni has discussed on Tuesday the compensation issue with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, and the countries agreed to set up a joint committee to deal with the issue.
A statement by the Turkish Prime Minister stressed that Israeli apology "came according to the Turkish conditions", first and foremost formally apologize to the Turkish people, then compensate the families of the victims, lift the ban on the West Bank and Gaza and allow entry of civilian goods.
According to Erdogan, Turkey insisted on these major conditions for the improvement of relations with Israel.
26 mar 2013
Israel, Turkey Discuss Compensation over Mavi Marmara Raid
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni discussed Mavi Marmara issue on the phone on Monday.
They decided that the Foreign Ministry officials of both countries would meet and discuss the compensation which would be paid by Israel for the victims of Mavi Marmara raid.
The officials were planned to gather in coming days.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Turkish people on March 22 during a phone conversation with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for an Israeli raid on the "Mavi Marmara" aid ship which resulted in the killing of nine Turks in May 2010.
They decided that the Foreign Ministry officials of both countries would meet and discuss the compensation which would be paid by Israel for the victims of Mavi Marmara raid.
The officials were planned to gather in coming days.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Turkish people on March 22 during a phone conversation with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for an Israeli raid on the "Mavi Marmara" aid ship which resulted in the killing of nine Turks in May 2010.
24 mar 2013
Jihad movement calls on Egypt to pressure occupation to abide by ceasefire
The Islamic Jihad movement called on Egypt, the mediator of the truce agreement between the Palestinian resistance in Gaza and the Israeli occupation, to pressure the Israeli authorities to implement the agreement's terms, which ended the last Israeli aggression on Gaza in November.
Sheikh Khader Habib, a leader in the movement, said in a press statement that the Israeli decision to the limit down the fishing area in Gaza Sea from six to three miles is a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Habib considered the Israeli decision as a systematic policy to drive fishermen further from them and establish new boundaries for the siege, urging the Egyptian mediator to pressure the occupation to commit to the terms of the truce.
In related matter, Palestinian fishermen confirmed that the Israeli forces forced them on Saturday morning to pull back to three miles after reducing the fishing area.
Nizar Ayyash, head of the Gaza fishermen's syndicate, said that the occupation forces implemented its decision to reduce the fishing area from six to three miles, where they fired toward the Palestinian fishermen in total violation of the truce agreement which had expanded the three-nautical mile fishing limit imposed by Israeli occupation, as part of its naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, to six nautical miles.
The occupation forces announced that the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon agreed to reduce the permitted fishing zone in the Sea of Gaza to three miles instead of six.
This comes after an Israeli promise to Turkey to lift the siege on the Gaza Strip, after its apology for its crime against the Turkish Marmara ship.
Sheikh Khader Habib, a leader in the movement, said in a press statement that the Israeli decision to the limit down the fishing area in Gaza Sea from six to three miles is a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Habib considered the Israeli decision as a systematic policy to drive fishermen further from them and establish new boundaries for the siege, urging the Egyptian mediator to pressure the occupation to commit to the terms of the truce.
In related matter, Palestinian fishermen confirmed that the Israeli forces forced them on Saturday morning to pull back to three miles after reducing the fishing area.
Nizar Ayyash, head of the Gaza fishermen's syndicate, said that the occupation forces implemented its decision to reduce the fishing area from six to three miles, where they fired toward the Palestinian fishermen in total violation of the truce agreement which had expanded the three-nautical mile fishing limit imposed by Israeli occupation, as part of its naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, to six nautical miles.
The occupation forces announced that the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon agreed to reduce the permitted fishing zone in the Sea of Gaza to three miles instead of six.
This comes after an Israeli promise to Turkey to lift the siege on the Gaza Strip, after its apology for its crime against the Turkish Marmara ship.
Navy commando: We did nothing wrong
Peres, Gantz and IDF soldiers
Soldiers involved in 2010 Marmara raid express ambivalence toward PM's apology to Turkey, insist 'we have nothing to apologize for'; Gantz backs decision to apologize.
"I don’t think we've done anything wrong," said N., a Navy combatant who was involved in the raid on the Mavi Marmara in 2010. "We did the right thing. I'm not ashamed of it and we have nothing to apologize for."
"This apology doesn't imply anything," N., who sustained injuries in the raid, added. "It's meant to promote reconciliation. On a personal level there's no need for apologies, but on a national perspective… it seems like the right thing to do."
A former combat soldier with the Navy told Ynet he was ambivalent about the apology. "On the one hand, there's something very unfair in this – when you're in battle, you fight. And we did nothing wrong. But on the other hand, maybe it's time to end this saga."
As for the decision to compensate the families of the Turkish citizens who were killed in the raid, many Navy soldiers were outraged, saying that IDF soldiers who sustained injuries in the incident have yet to be compensated.
Former Navy commander Eliezer Marom, who was the commanding officer of the 2010 raid told Ynet he was against the Israeli apology. "We must back IDF soldiers. If you start apologizing for combat errors, where will it end? An IDF soldier must be backed.
"I ask myself how this may affect the soldiers," Marom added, that's what bothers me."
"I might be joining politics soon," the former commander admitted, noting that he was aware of "the prime minister's right to make such a decision – to sacrifice support for the soldiers in order to advance national interests that mean nothing."
Legal proceedings against Marom are expected to be stricken once the reconciliation comes into effect.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz, on the other hand, deflected such criticism on Sunday.
In a tour taken along with President Shimon Peres on Sunday morning at the Central Benjamin Brigade, Gantz said that “the subject of the reconciliation agreement with Turkey is very important.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he decided to apologize mostly because of the events going on in Syria, and Gantz supported this saying, “It is right to recall what happened in the past. To learn and take lessons, but not to be like Lot’s wife who turned around and looked back and went blind; instead we must look forward for the interests of Israel, especially when you look toward the northern front and Syria."
"It was good that the prime minister took action to further relations with Turkey," Gantz emphasized. "It will have a positive effect on our defense and strategic interests.”
Former foreign minister and the no. 2 man in the Likud-Beiteinu Avigdor Lieberman leveled criticism after the apology was publicized, calling it a “horrible mistake.” His criticism was joined by families of soldiers from the flotilla.
In a general response to the criticisms, Gantz said, “There are some who are misunderstanding this decision in regards to our support of the IDF. I completely support every IDF soldier, anywhere, anytime and with all the power, in that he will act professionally and with a sense of values."
In regard to the event itself, Gantz said that “in the action of the flotilla and the Marmara , there are operational lessons to be drawn, but this was an operational action with values. Any other army would have carried it out with many more casualties. Soldiers of the flotilla used minimal strength and performed a necessary action well."
"I personally know the flotilla commander and he has my complete faith regarding what they did in the past, and what they will do in the future," Gantz said. "They also take into proportion the difference between talk and between the need to be strategic.”
Peres added, “We cannot change the past, this is an essential reconciliation. There is a difference between Turkey and Iran. Iran wants to destroy Israel and Turkey has no oath of this sort. Both Israel and Turkey want a peaceful Middle East, without shortages and without poverty. What took place now releases us to take care of the future."
Soldiers involved in 2010 Marmara raid express ambivalence toward PM's apology to Turkey, insist 'we have nothing to apologize for'; Gantz backs decision to apologize.
"I don’t think we've done anything wrong," said N., a Navy combatant who was involved in the raid on the Mavi Marmara in 2010. "We did the right thing. I'm not ashamed of it and we have nothing to apologize for."
"This apology doesn't imply anything," N., who sustained injuries in the raid, added. "It's meant to promote reconciliation. On a personal level there's no need for apologies, but on a national perspective… it seems like the right thing to do."
A former combat soldier with the Navy told Ynet he was ambivalent about the apology. "On the one hand, there's something very unfair in this – when you're in battle, you fight. And we did nothing wrong. But on the other hand, maybe it's time to end this saga."
As for the decision to compensate the families of the Turkish citizens who were killed in the raid, many Navy soldiers were outraged, saying that IDF soldiers who sustained injuries in the incident have yet to be compensated.
Former Navy commander Eliezer Marom, who was the commanding officer of the 2010 raid told Ynet he was against the Israeli apology. "We must back IDF soldiers. If you start apologizing for combat errors, where will it end? An IDF soldier must be backed.
"I ask myself how this may affect the soldiers," Marom added, that's what bothers me."
"I might be joining politics soon," the former commander admitted, noting that he was aware of "the prime minister's right to make such a decision – to sacrifice support for the soldiers in order to advance national interests that mean nothing."
Legal proceedings against Marom are expected to be stricken once the reconciliation comes into effect.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz, on the other hand, deflected such criticism on Sunday.
In a tour taken along with President Shimon Peres on Sunday morning at the Central Benjamin Brigade, Gantz said that “the subject of the reconciliation agreement with Turkey is very important.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he decided to apologize mostly because of the events going on in Syria, and Gantz supported this saying, “It is right to recall what happened in the past. To learn and take lessons, but not to be like Lot’s wife who turned around and looked back and went blind; instead we must look forward for the interests of Israel, especially when you look toward the northern front and Syria."
"It was good that the prime minister took action to further relations with Turkey," Gantz emphasized. "It will have a positive effect on our defense and strategic interests.”
Former foreign minister and the no. 2 man in the Likud-Beiteinu Avigdor Lieberman leveled criticism after the apology was publicized, calling it a “horrible mistake.” His criticism was joined by families of soldiers from the flotilla.
In a general response to the criticisms, Gantz said, “There are some who are misunderstanding this decision in regards to our support of the IDF. I completely support every IDF soldier, anywhere, anytime and with all the power, in that he will act professionally and with a sense of values."
In regard to the event itself, Gantz said that “in the action of the flotilla and the Marmara , there are operational lessons to be drawn, but this was an operational action with values. Any other army would have carried it out with many more casualties. Soldiers of the flotilla used minimal strength and performed a necessary action well."
"I personally know the flotilla commander and he has my complete faith regarding what they did in the past, and what they will do in the future," Gantz said. "They also take into proportion the difference between talk and between the need to be strategic.”
Peres added, “We cannot change the past, this is an essential reconciliation. There is a difference between Turkey and Iran. Iran wants to destroy Israel and Turkey has no oath of this sort. Both Israel and Turkey want a peaceful Middle East, without shortages and without poverty. What took place now releases us to take care of the future."
23 mar 2013
Netanyahu says Syria was main reason for apology
In Facebook post, PM Netanyahu explains his decision to apologize to Turkey over Marmara raid, normalize relations with Ankara. 'Changing reality requires that we reexamine our relations with countries in the region,' he says.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday rationalized his decision to apologize to Turkey over the IDF's raid on the Gaza-bound Marmara ship that killed nine Turkish citizens.
"The fact that the Syrian crisis is constantly intensifying was a prime consideration," he explained in a post on his Facebook page.
"Syria is crumbling, and its massive stockpiles of advanced weapons are starting to fall into the hands of various elements. What we fear most is that terrorist groups will get their hands on chemical weapons."
The prime minister noted that he spent Saturday resting after a busy week that began with the swearing in of his new government and ended with the visit of US President Barack Obama.
"Before the Sabbath, I spoke to the Turkish premier. Three years after Israel-Turkey ties had been cut off I decided it was time to restore them. The changing reality around us requires that we constantly reexamine our relations with countries in the region.
"In the past three years the State of Israel has initiated several attempts to resolve the crisis with Turkey."
Netanyahu explained that the situation in Syria warrants a reevaluation of Israel's relations with Turkey and noted that the presence of Global Jihad terrorists on the Syrian-Israel border in the Golan Heights "creates serious challenges for our defense establishment."
He further noted that Israel is closely monitoring the situation across the border and is ready to respond to any development .
"It’s important that Turkey and Israel, which both share a border with Syria, are able to communicate with each other and this is also relevant to other regional challenges. In addition, the visit of US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Kerry created an opportunity to end the crisis.
"That is why towards the end of the US president's visit I decided to call the Turkish prime minister on order to solve the crisis and mend the relations between our two nations."
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said that he supports Netanyahu's decision. "The prime minister has made a responsible decision and the settlement he is leading with Turkey does not contradict the fact that we stood our ground for three years," he said in a statement.
"Regional developments and US involvement helped end the crisis. It is a shared interest of both Israel and Turkey." Conversely, former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman slammed the move on Friday calling it a "serious mistake."
Earlier on Saturday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip said that Israel's apology "it was offered the way we wanted."
Addressing the restoration of diplomatic ties through the appointment of ambassadors he said, "We will see what will be put into practice during the process. If they move forward in a promising way, we will make our contribution. Then, there would be an exchange of ambassadors."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday rationalized his decision to apologize to Turkey over the IDF's raid on the Gaza-bound Marmara ship that killed nine Turkish citizens.
"The fact that the Syrian crisis is constantly intensifying was a prime consideration," he explained in a post on his Facebook page.
"Syria is crumbling, and its massive stockpiles of advanced weapons are starting to fall into the hands of various elements. What we fear most is that terrorist groups will get their hands on chemical weapons."
The prime minister noted that he spent Saturday resting after a busy week that began with the swearing in of his new government and ended with the visit of US President Barack Obama.
"Before the Sabbath, I spoke to the Turkish premier. Three years after Israel-Turkey ties had been cut off I decided it was time to restore them. The changing reality around us requires that we constantly reexamine our relations with countries in the region.
"In the past three years the State of Israel has initiated several attempts to resolve the crisis with Turkey."
Netanyahu explained that the situation in Syria warrants a reevaluation of Israel's relations with Turkey and noted that the presence of Global Jihad terrorists on the Syrian-Israel border in the Golan Heights "creates serious challenges for our defense establishment."
He further noted that Israel is closely monitoring the situation across the border and is ready to respond to any development .
"It’s important that Turkey and Israel, which both share a border with Syria, are able to communicate with each other and this is also relevant to other regional challenges. In addition, the visit of US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Kerry created an opportunity to end the crisis.
"That is why towards the end of the US president's visit I decided to call the Turkish prime minister on order to solve the crisis and mend the relations between our two nations."
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said that he supports Netanyahu's decision. "The prime minister has made a responsible decision and the settlement he is leading with Turkey does not contradict the fact that we stood our ground for three years," he said in a statement.
"Regional developments and US involvement helped end the crisis. It is a shared interest of both Israel and Turkey." Conversely, former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman slammed the move on Friday calling it a "serious mistake."
Earlier on Saturday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip said that Israel's apology "it was offered the way we wanted."
Addressing the restoration of diplomatic ties through the appointment of ambassadors he said, "We will see what will be put into practice during the process. If they move forward in a promising way, we will make our contribution. Then, there would be an exchange of ambassadors."
Zoabi to Netanyahu: Apologize for blockading Gaza
Hanin Zoabi, the Arab member of the Israeli Knesset, has said that Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s apology to Turkey over the deadly attack on Mavi Marmara ship was not enough.
She said in press statement that apology was not enough as long as “we are talking about human life”, adding that nine political activists were killed in the incident.
She said that a real apology should include acceptance to the formation of an international fact-finding committee to probe the attack.
The MK told Netanyahu to apologize to those who were put under siege and to those who were killed for their sake. The Turkish nationals were sailing aboard Mavi Marmara to Gaza with relief material to the besieged enclave. Zoabi was also aboard that ship.
She said in press statement that apology was not enough as long as “we are talking about human life”, adding that nine political activists were killed in the incident.
She said that a real apology should include acceptance to the formation of an international fact-finding committee to probe the attack.
The MK told Netanyahu to apologize to those who were put under siege and to those who were killed for their sake. The Turkish nationals were sailing aboard Mavi Marmara to Gaza with relief material to the besieged enclave. Zoabi was also aboard that ship.
IOA reduces area of fishing in violation of calm agreement
Hamas movement lashed out at the Israeli occupation authorities for reducing the area of fishing off the coast of Gaza Strip to three nautical miles.
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, urged the Egyptian leadership to assume its responsibility vis-à-vis that violation in its capacity as the patron of the calm agreement.
Abu Zuhri held the IOA fully responsible for that decision and its repercussions after the calm agreement had allowed fisherman in Gaza to fish in an area of six nautical miles off the coasts of the enclave.
The IOA decided to reduce the area of fishing and to close Karm Abu Salem commercial crossing in response to the alleged firing of two local rockets from Gaza into 1948 occupied Palestinian land.
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman, urged the Egyptian leadership to assume its responsibility vis-à-vis that violation in its capacity as the patron of the calm agreement.
Abu Zuhri held the IOA fully responsible for that decision and its repercussions after the calm agreement had allowed fisherman in Gaza to fish in an area of six nautical miles off the coasts of the enclave.
The IOA decided to reduce the area of fishing and to close Karm Abu Salem commercial crossing in response to the alleged firing of two local rockets from Gaza into 1948 occupied Palestinian land.
Erdogan phones Mishaal over Israeli apology
Political bureau chairman of Hamas Khaled Mishaal received a phone call from Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan informing him of Israel’s apology over its bloody raid on Mavi Marmara aid ship.
A statement by Hamas on Friday quoted Erdogan as telling Mishaal that Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu offered an apology for the attack, which killed nine Turkish nationals, and pledged to meet other Turkish demands such as compensations for the families of the dead and lifting the siege on the Palestinian people.(*1)
The statement congratulated the Turkish people and leadership over such a victory and big accomplishment represented in forcing Israel to apologize and submit to demands, noting that it was a rare instance.
The success of Turkey in forcing Israel to apologize proved anew that Israel only submits to the language of force, steadfastness and insistence on legitimate rights, the statement concluded.
Netanyahu had reached Erdogan over the phone on Friday and talked with him for half an hour in the presence of American president Barack Obama, who had intervened to broker the deal.
In an official statement, Netanyahu's office said: "In light of Israel's investigation into the incident which pointed to a number of operational mistakes, the prime minister expressed Israel's apology to the Turkish people for any mistakes that might have led to the loss of life or injury."
The deal included restoration of diplomatic ties and cancellation of legal measures against Israeli soldiers who took part in the deadly raid.
A statement by Hamas on Friday quoted Erdogan as telling Mishaal that Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu offered an apology for the attack, which killed nine Turkish nationals, and pledged to meet other Turkish demands such as compensations for the families of the dead and lifting the siege on the Palestinian people.(*1)
The statement congratulated the Turkish people and leadership over such a victory and big accomplishment represented in forcing Israel to apologize and submit to demands, noting that it was a rare instance.
The success of Turkey in forcing Israel to apologize proved anew that Israel only submits to the language of force, steadfastness and insistence on legitimate rights, the statement concluded.
Netanyahu had reached Erdogan over the phone on Friday and talked with him for half an hour in the presence of American president Barack Obama, who had intervened to broker the deal.
In an official statement, Netanyahu's office said: "In light of Israel's investigation into the incident which pointed to a number of operational mistakes, the prime minister expressed Israel's apology to the Turkish people for any mistakes that might have led to the loss of life or injury."
The deal included restoration of diplomatic ties and cancellation of legal measures against Israeli soldiers who took part in the deadly raid.
Turkey says apology brought Israel to ‘line of international law’
Turkey says bringing the Israeli regime to the ‘line of international law’ was an important step following Tel Aviv’s apology to Ankara that came more than two years after a deadly Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla in 2010.
The Israeli military attacked the Freedom Flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea on May 31, 2010, killing nine Turkish nationals aboard the Turkish-flagged MV Mavi Marmara and injuring about 50 other activists that were part of the team on the six-ship convoy.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in an interview with Turkish TRT television on Friday, “I always mentioned to my counterparts bringing Israel to the line of international law is an important step for Israel to be on a correct spot for the peace and finally manage to come to that spot.”
“We made it clear that Turkey will not change its course of action until an apology is issued,” Davutoglu stated. “What appears to you as a surprise is an effort that has been pursued and forged gradually for three years.”
The comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the same day that he had apologized on behalf of the Tel Aviv regime for its fatal raid during a phone call with Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Netanyahu also accepted Ankara’s demand that the Israeli regime compensate the families of the nine Turkish victims.
The Israeli apology was brokered by US President Barack Obama during his recent visit to Israel. Netanyahu had previously only expressed regret for the killings and refused to publicly apologize.
Ankara and Tel Aviv recalled their envoys in 2011 over the flotilla issue, but on Friday Erdogan and Netanyahu agreed to send back ambassadors.
The Israeli military attacked the Freedom Flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea on May 31, 2010, killing nine Turkish nationals aboard the Turkish-flagged MV Mavi Marmara and injuring about 50 other activists that were part of the team on the six-ship convoy.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in an interview with Turkish TRT television on Friday, “I always mentioned to my counterparts bringing Israel to the line of international law is an important step for Israel to be on a correct spot for the peace and finally manage to come to that spot.”
“We made it clear that Turkey will not change its course of action until an apology is issued,” Davutoglu stated. “What appears to you as a surprise is an effort that has been pursued and forged gradually for three years.”
The comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the same day that he had apologized on behalf of the Tel Aviv regime for its fatal raid during a phone call with Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Netanyahu also accepted Ankara’s demand that the Israeli regime compensate the families of the nine Turkish victims.
The Israeli apology was brokered by US President Barack Obama during his recent visit to Israel. Netanyahu had previously only expressed regret for the killings and refused to publicly apologize.
Ankara and Tel Aviv recalled their envoys in 2011 over the flotilla issue, but on Friday Erdogan and Netanyahu agreed to send back ambassadors.
22 mar 2013
Israel announces full resumption of diplomatic ties with Turkey
Israel has announced a full resumption of diplomatic ties with Turkey after apologizing for the deaths of nine Turkish activists in an Israeli attack on a Gaza-bound international flotilla.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that he had apologized to Turkey during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a deadly 2010 flotilla attack.
He also accepted Ankara's demand for compensation to be paid to the families of the nine activists who were killed.
The deal was brokered by US President Barack Obama during a visit to Israel. Netanyahu had previously only expressed regret for the deaths and refused to publicly apologize.
Tel Aviv-Ankara relations soured after Israeli commandos attacked Turkish aid ship, Mavi Marmara, in international waters in May 2010.
Turkey had previously demanded an official apology from the Israeli regime for the deadly attack on the flotilla, compensation to the families of the victims and an end to the blockade of Gaza as preconditions for normalization of the mutual relations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that he had apologized to Turkey during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a deadly 2010 flotilla attack.
He also accepted Ankara's demand for compensation to be paid to the families of the nine activists who were killed.
The deal was brokered by US President Barack Obama during a visit to Israel. Netanyahu had previously only expressed regret for the deaths and refused to publicly apologize.
Tel Aviv-Ankara relations soured after Israeli commandos attacked Turkish aid ship, Mavi Marmara, in international waters in May 2010.
Turkey had previously demanded an official apology from the Israeli regime for the deadly attack on the flotilla, compensation to the families of the victims and an end to the blockade of Gaza as preconditions for normalization of the mutual relations.
17 jan 2013
Israel to Apologies from Turkey Over Mavi Marmara
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, Danny Ayalon, confirmed that Israel is ready to send an apology letter to Turkey over Mavi Marmara incident, such as the one Washington sent to Pakistan over the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers.
According to Daily HURRIYET Turkish newspaper, that after 32 months of the Mavi Marmara incident, Ayalon said that he was seeing some kind of improvement opportunities in Turkey-Israel relations and that Israel was ready to apologize.
It's worth mentioning that in May 2010, the Israeli marines raided the Mavi Marmara aid ship that had the total of 490 people and killed nine Turks in clashes with peace activists and wounded more than 50 others.
According to Daily HURRIYET Turkish newspaper, that after 32 months of the Mavi Marmara incident, Ayalon said that he was seeing some kind of improvement opportunities in Turkey-Israel relations and that Israel was ready to apologize.
It's worth mentioning that in May 2010, the Israeli marines raided the Mavi Marmara aid ship that had the total of 490 people and killed nine Turks in clashes with peace activists and wounded more than 50 others.
3 jan 2013
Israeli Commanders on Trial, They're cold blooded killers
By Stephen Lendman
A previous article said Israel's rap sheet makes serial killers look saintly by comparison. It's no exaggeration. Decades of crimes of war, against humanity and genocide explain.
Accountability so far is wishful thinking. Hope springs eternal. In May 2012, Turkey issued arrest warrants. Four former senior IDF officers were named.
They include Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, military intelligence head Amos Yadlin, naval commander Eliezer Marom, and air force intelligence head Avishai Levi.
They're accused of ordering the May 31, 2010 Mavi Marmara massacre. Israeli commandos attacked the vessel preemptively. They did so in international waters.
Nine Turkish nationals were assassinated. Dozens more were injured. Everyone on board was terrorized. Israel planned it that way.
High crimes were committed. A 144-page indictment said so. They were premeditated. They were against unarmed, nonviolent activists. They were delivering vital humanitarian aid to besieged Gazans.
Turkish/Israeli relations became strained. Ankara demanded an apology and compensation for families of victims.
Israel never says it's sorry. It refused and stonewalled. Rogue states operate that way. Turkey's trial is largely symbolic. Proceedings began last November.
Accused Israelis didn't attend. No one expected them to. Entering Turkish territory subjects them to arrest.
Istanbul Prosecutor Mehmet Akif Ekinci seeks 10 consecutive life sentences. It's for nine deaths plus another victim in coma.
Charges include voluntary manslaughter, attempted voluntary manslaughter, intentional injury, incitement to assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, abduction or confiscation of maritime vessels, property damage, false arrest, and mistreatment of prisoners.
Hundreds of complainants were invited to testify. Conclusions from an internal Turkish investigation accused Israel of "banditry," "piracy," and "state-sponsored terrorism."
Israel is guilty as charged. Clear evidence proves it. More on that below.
On February 21, the Jerusalem Post headlined "Turkey resumes Gaza flotilla trial for four ex-IDF heads," saying:
Israel dismisses proceedings as politically motivated. An unnamed legal official called it a "show trial."
Last year's proceedings focused on murder charges. Current ones address mistreatment, sexual harassment, property theft, and violations of press freedom. Citizens of 37 countries are involved. Hundreds demand justice.
On February 26, Mondoweiss contributor James Marc Leas headlined "Years of impunity for Israeli leaders may draw to a close in Turkish flotilla trial."
Uneditied raw video is damning. It's authentic. It points fingers the right way. Videographer Iara Lee took it.
It provides over an hour of "minute-by-minute" documented evidence.
A previous article said Israel's rap sheet makes serial killers look saintly by comparison. It's no exaggeration. Decades of crimes of war, against humanity and genocide explain.
Accountability so far is wishful thinking. Hope springs eternal. In May 2012, Turkey issued arrest warrants. Four former senior IDF officers were named.
They include Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, military intelligence head Amos Yadlin, naval commander Eliezer Marom, and air force intelligence head Avishai Levi.
They're accused of ordering the May 31, 2010 Mavi Marmara massacre. Israeli commandos attacked the vessel preemptively. They did so in international waters.
Nine Turkish nationals were assassinated. Dozens more were injured. Everyone on board was terrorized. Israel planned it that way.
High crimes were committed. A 144-page indictment said so. They were premeditated. They were against unarmed, nonviolent activists. They were delivering vital humanitarian aid to besieged Gazans.
Turkish/Israeli relations became strained. Ankara demanded an apology and compensation for families of victims.
Israel never says it's sorry. It refused and stonewalled. Rogue states operate that way. Turkey's trial is largely symbolic. Proceedings began last November.
Accused Israelis didn't attend. No one expected them to. Entering Turkish territory subjects them to arrest.
Istanbul Prosecutor Mehmet Akif Ekinci seeks 10 consecutive life sentences. It's for nine deaths plus another victim in coma.
Charges include voluntary manslaughter, attempted voluntary manslaughter, intentional injury, incitement to assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, abduction or confiscation of maritime vessels, property damage, false arrest, and mistreatment of prisoners.
Hundreds of complainants were invited to testify. Conclusions from an internal Turkish investigation accused Israel of "banditry," "piracy," and "state-sponsored terrorism."
Israel is guilty as charged. Clear evidence proves it. More on that below.
On February 21, the Jerusalem Post headlined "Turkey resumes Gaza flotilla trial for four ex-IDF heads," saying:
Israel dismisses proceedings as politically motivated. An unnamed legal official called it a "show trial."
Last year's proceedings focused on murder charges. Current ones address mistreatment, sexual harassment, property theft, and violations of press freedom. Citizens of 37 countries are involved. Hundreds demand justice.
On February 26, Mondoweiss contributor James Marc Leas headlined "Years of impunity for Israeli leaders may draw to a close in Turkish flotilla trial."
Uneditied raw video is damning. It's authentic. It points fingers the right way. Videographer Iara Lee took it.
It provides over an hour of "minute-by-minute" documented evidence.
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It "shows Israeli soldiers firing weapons at the ship at least 5 minutes and 30 seconds before other Israeli soldiers are seen rappelling down to the ship from a helicopter." In other words, it was premeditated.
It's well before anyone on board had time to react. Israeli officials lied. They claimed boarding commandos acted in self-defense. They initiated attacks guns blazing. They singled out targeted victims. They murdered them in cold blood. They did so at point blank range. Footage showed in court "was formally released at a" UN June 10, 2010 press conference. Gunfire began at "36:08 on the film." "(I)t appears to be coming from an Israeli Zodiac boat. (It was) alongside the" Mavi Marmara. |
"The first explosive device is at 36:13." Over the next few minutes, gunfire and explosions are heard.
At 36:39, closeups show Israeli soldiers on the Zodiac firing at unarmed civilians.
Video "shows flashes from guns and an Israeli soldier with a rifle aimed up at the ship."
From 36:08 - 37:17, lots of firing and explosions are heard.
At 37:40, the first helicopter sound is heard.
At 38:24, "red dripping on the walls is seen, and someone keeps saying blood."
At 39:12, "(s)omeone else says "I think they are using paintball looking stuff. It is not live ammunition."
From 39:40 - 40:15, audible helicopter sound gets louder. At 40:28, it's visible.
At 41:58, six or seven commandos "are seen rappelling down along two different ropes"."
At 42:29, the helicopter lifts away. At 42:40, passenger noise level rises.
At 42:49, 43:18, and 43: 35, gunfire is heard. At 43:29, wounded are seen carried away.
"At 44:18, Kevin, an American, shows a booklet obtained from one of the Israeli soldiers"."
It shows pictures of activists on board Israel wanted to kill. They knew in advance who to target.
"(F)ootage shows Israeli soldiers firing weapons and shooting explosive devices beginning at least 5 minutes and 30 seconds before other Israeli soldiers came rappelling down their rope from (their) helicopter."
These facts contradict Israel's self-defense claim. It doesn't wash. Clear evidence proves otherwise. So do numerous victim testimonies.
"Israeli government forces seized electronic devices, including cameras, computers, cell phones, and memory cards"."
Israeli released footage was fake. It was staged. It doesn't wash. It was filmed in advance on a Mavi Marmara replica. It showed passengers attacking soldiers.
Clear evidence shows Israeli commandos committed cold-blooded murder. If Turkish authorities are serious, they'll find IDF commanders guilty of high crimes. Doing so will set a precedent. It's high time that happened.
At 36:39, closeups show Israeli soldiers on the Zodiac firing at unarmed civilians.
Video "shows flashes from guns and an Israeli soldier with a rifle aimed up at the ship."
From 36:08 - 37:17, lots of firing and explosions are heard.
At 37:40, the first helicopter sound is heard.
At 38:24, "red dripping on the walls is seen, and someone keeps saying blood."
At 39:12, "(s)omeone else says "I think they are using paintball looking stuff. It is not live ammunition."
From 39:40 - 40:15, audible helicopter sound gets louder. At 40:28, it's visible.
At 41:58, six or seven commandos "are seen rappelling down along two different ropes"."
At 42:29, the helicopter lifts away. At 42:40, passenger noise level rises.
At 42:49, 43:18, and 43: 35, gunfire is heard. At 43:29, wounded are seen carried away.
"At 44:18, Kevin, an American, shows a booklet obtained from one of the Israeli soldiers"."
It shows pictures of activists on board Israel wanted to kill. They knew in advance who to target.
"(F)ootage shows Israeli soldiers firing weapons and shooting explosive devices beginning at least 5 minutes and 30 seconds before other Israeli soldiers came rappelling down their rope from (their) helicopter."
These facts contradict Israel's self-defense claim. It doesn't wash. Clear evidence proves otherwise. So do numerous victim testimonies.
"Israeli government forces seized electronic devices, including cameras, computers, cell phones, and memory cards"."
Israeli released footage was fake. It was staged. It doesn't wash. It was filmed in advance on a Mavi Marmara replica. It showed passengers attacking soldiers.
Clear evidence shows Israeli commandos committed cold-blooded murder. If Turkish authorities are serious, they'll find IDF commanders guilty of high crimes. Doing so will set a precedent. It's high time that happened.
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