Netanyahu, Erdogan, Abbas
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Palestinian President Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu to Hold Talks with Turkish President Erdogan in July

In a significant development, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to travel to Turkey later this month for separate meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The upcoming visits, organized by Turkey, aim to discuss "Turkey-Palestine relations and the latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as other topical international issues."

Historic Meeting between Netanyahu and Abbas in Turkey:

The meeting between Netanyahu and Abbas in Turkey is highly noteworthy as it will be the first time an Israeli Prime Minister visits Turkey since Ehud Olmert in 2008.

This meeting holds immense potential to address longstanding tensions and foster diplomatic dialogue between the two conflicting parties.

Improved Relations between Turkey and Israel:

Over the past year, relations between Turkey and Israel have witnessed significant improvement, marked by several high-level visits, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Turkey.

This thaw in relations came after more than a decade of strained ties, which were particularly exacerbated by the deadly storming of a Turkish ship by Israeli commandos in 2010.

Turbulent History and Heightened Tensions:

Turkey's relationship with Israel suffered a setback in May 2018, when it recalled its ambassador to Israel and expelled Israel's ambassador to Turkey.

The decision came in response to the killing of around 60 Palestinians by Israeli forces during a Gaza rally against Israel's blockade of the coastal enclave.

Turkish President Erdogan accused Israel of "state terror" and "genocide," further straining diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Regional Violence and Escalating Conflict:

The visits come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with reports of the first Israeli drone assault since 2006, increasing military raids on Jenin and northern occupied Palestinian territories, and settler attacks in Palestinian villages.

Earlier this month, a tragic incident occurred when Israel targeted the Jenin refugee camp, resulting in the death of 12 Palestinians, including three children.

The attack led to the displacement of at least 3,000 people and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

Point to Note:

The upcoming meetings between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offer a critical opportunity for diplomatic engagement and dialogue amidst heightened tensions in the region.

As Turkey seeks to mediate and address the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the world awaits the outcomes of these significant discussions.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)