MKs Hanin Zoabi and Ahmed Tibi feel Israel’s agreement to renew ties with Turkey is nothing short of an Israeli admission of guilt for the Marvi Marmara commando raid that left nine Turkish nationals dead.

Zoabi, who was on board the Marmara, told the media Israel’s willingness to pay compensation to the families is indeed an admission of guilt and she feels this is a first step towards admitting its crimes vis-à-vis the Palestinians, the events that led up to the Marvi Marmara affair. She laments the fact the deal with Turkey does not include a cessation of the Israeli marine blockade on Gaza, citing the battle must continue and there must be additional flotillas to open Gaza.

Also commenting was MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi, who feels the deal with Turkey will undoubtedly serve in the future as a template for Israel to compensate the Palestinians for their pain and suffering under the occupation. Tibi feels the deal with Turkey represents a first step, vowing to continue his battle to “end the occupation”, which he is confident will include Israeli compensation to Palestinians for their pain and suffering under the occupation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)