Statement from Israeli Ambassador: Hard to say where relations are headed, comments from Ankara are 'surprising'
As tensions in the region continue to rise following Hamas's attack on Israel and Israel's declaration of a state of war, international diplomatic traffic has also intensified. Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Irit Lillian made notable comments regarding Turkey-Israel relations.
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As the Israel-Palestine conflict, which began yesterday morning with Hamas's operation against Israel, continues to intensify, Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Irit Lillian made statements during an online press conference.
Stating that it is too early to discuss mediation proposals between Israel and Hamas, Lillian said that the attacks show that Hamas should not have a presence in Turkey or anywhere else.
'MEDIATION LATER'
Lillian said, “Mediation comes at a different point in time. Right now, unfortunately, we are counting the dead, trying to heal the wounded, and we don't even know the number of kidnapped citizens.”
The Israeli diplomat added, “We want to see all kidnapped people return to their homes, and we want silence and calm to return to Israel and the region. After that, we can talk about mediation and who will take part in this mediation.”
“IT SHOULD NOT AFFECT RELATIONS WITH TURKEY”
Lillian said that Israel expects more empathy from Turkey, which has suffered from militant attacks for decades, but that the “good, constructive” dialogue between the two countries “the day after” will shed light on the fate of the rapprochement.
Saying “It is a bit difficult to say” in response to a question about whether relations would be affected, Lillian added that some comments coming from Ankara were “surprising.”
“I think that the Israel-Turkey relations, which have entered a warming process, should not be affected by yesterday's attack and the ongoing war against terrorism,” she added.