Israel, Turkey Reach Understandings on Hamas

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Israel and Turkey are expected to announce on Sunday that they have reached an agreement to end their six-year old diplomatic crisis. Relations have been strained since May 2010 after nine Turkish citizens were killed during a raid by Israel Navy commandos on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was headed for the Gaza Strip in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade of the territory.

Haaretz has learned that the declaration expected Sunday was enabled following understandings the sides reached some 10 days ago about Hamas activities in Turkey.

Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, who went on a secret visit to Turkey, agreed with its National Intelligence Organization head Hakan Fidan on the main understandings. Under the agreement, Hamas offices may continue to operate in Turkey for the purpose of diplomatic activity.

A senior Israeli official said Sunday that as part of the reconciliation agreement that is being ironed out with Turkey, the Turkish government has committed that Hamas will not carry out any terrorist or military activity against Israel from Turkish territory.

http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.727105

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1. Israel and Turkey announce deal to repair relations after six-year split

ISTANBUL — Israel and Turkey have reached an agreement to repair ties after six years of strained relations over a deadly Israeli raid on a Turkish aid ship to Gaza in 2010, officials said Monday. Ten Turkish activists were killed in the assault.

The rapprochement has potential wide-reaching security and economic ramifications in the region. Turkey and Israel once shared close military cooperation, and they have common worries over the Islamic State and other war-driven instability in Syria, which borders Turkey and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The diplomatic thaw also could open new channels for outside assistance to Gaza. Both nations were once major destinations for two-way tourism, which has suffered in both countries because of ongoing violence.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israel-turkey-announce-deal-to-repair-relations-after-six-year-split/2016/06/27/aa2399ae-3bd5-11e6-9e16-4cf01a41decb_story.html