Turkey Asks Parliament to Approve Deal Ending Israel Rift

ANKARA (Reuters) —
A Turkish flag flutters atop the Turkish embassy as an Israeli flag is seen nearby, in Tel Aviv, Israel June 26, 2016. Picture taken June 26, 2016. REUTERS/Baz Ratner
A Turkish flag flutters atop the Turkish Embassy as an Israeli flag is seen nearby, in Tel Aviv. (Reuters/Baz Ratner)

Turkish lawmakers on Wednesday submitted to parliament a settlement deal with Israel that would see Israel pay Ankara $20 million within 25 days in return for Turkey dropping outstanding legal claims, ending a six-year rift.

Relations between the two countries crumbled after Israeli marines were attacked upon boarding a& Turkish ship to prevent it from breaking the& naval& blockade& of& the& Hamas-run& Gaza& Strip in May 2010. In the ensuing melee,& 10& Turks& on& board were killed.

Israel had already offered its apologies for the raid. Both countries are to appoint ambassadors, and Turkey is to pass legislation indemnifying Israeli soldiers as part of an agreement partly driven by the prospect of lucrative Mediterranean gas deals.

 

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