Turkey over the weekend approved the agreement with Israel by which Jerusalem will pay Turkey $20 million in reparations for the deaths of Turkish nationals on board the Marvi Marmara in May 2010.

The deal to restore diplomatic ties with Turkey was ratified by Turkey lawmakers on Shabbos. In response, the Prime Minister’s Office response read, “Israel welcomes the Turkish Parliament’s decision to approve the deal recently concluded by the two governments and looks forward to the next steps of its implementation, including the return of our respective ambassadors”.

The agreement states Israel will make payment within 25 days following which there will be a gradual restoration of diplomatic ties including the return of the Turkish ambassador to Israel. In response, Turkey will drop all threats of legal and civil suits against Israel.

The Marvi Marmara flotilla tried to break the Israel Navy marine embargo on Gaza. Shayetet 13 commandos boarded the vessel and were attacked by what was believed to be unarmed civilians. As a result, members of the force were injured, some very seriously. A number of Turkey nationals were killed in response to the life-threatening attacks against the force and Turkey has since cut ties, demanding compensation for the families.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)