Ragip Soylu: War on Gaza: Why Turkey hasn’t severed all ties with Israel

Source:Middle East Eye Date:16Jan2024

Editor:  I try to post articles in this website that are unique or different.  That doesn’t mean I always agree with the author’s viewpoint. I’m a card carrying anti-Erdoganist, but give credit where it is due.

Ragip Soylu’s excellent survey highlights how Erdogan  has steered Turkey out of a tight spot.

Here are some highlights from Soylu article:

As I argued in a previous column, after the 7 October, Turkey took a balanced approach to the conflict, eyeing a possible mediation role. As it has become increasingly clear to Ankara that Netanyahu isn’t looking to make a deal – focusing instead on bombing Gaza to rubble – Erdogan’s rhetoric has changed.

Ankara also been pushing to unify the two main Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah. Erdogan has said that Ankara is trying to bring the two parties together to present a united front ahead of an eventual debate on Palestinian statehood. Fatah has indicated it would be open to such discussions.