In May 2010, Israeli commandos killed Turkish citizens on the ship "Marmara Masi" in the Gaza Strip. This incident resulted in a sharp deterioration of political relations between the two countries.
Israel will transfer 20 million dollars to a special fund for providing compensation for the families of the victims. Turkey, for its part, vows to recognize that any vessels carrying humanitarian aid must first dock at the Israeli port of Ashdod. This in effect means formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Gaza. Turkey will also assist Israel in negotiations with Palestinian organizations, primarily Hamas.
Ambassadors will be sent to each country and all previously imposed restrictions will be removed.
It is important to note that this normalization of relations is taking place under the new Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. Previously, when Davutoglu in power, who was prone to Islamic radicalism, reconciliation attempts failed.
Both Turkey and Israel are facing new challenges which are forming in the Middle East region. The main patron of both states, Washington, no longer meets their needs, and may not offer adequate ways of cooperation. Therefore, this agreement was imminent.
