Tensions reached their peak over the incident with the so-called Freedom Flotilla in 2010. Israeli commandos intercepted a group of ships heading to breach the Gaza blockade. Nine Turkish nationals were killed. In order to normalize relations, Ankara has demanded from Israel an apology and financial compensation for the families of those killed in the incident. Turkey also urged Israel to lift the blockade of Gaza.
"Turkey — Israel relations will not normalize until Israel realizes the three conditions. We have not given up on these," Kalin told journalists.
Turkey will not abandon these conditions and will not change them, Kalin reaffirmed.
Earlier, Israeli media reported that Israel and Turkey had worked out a draft agreement on the normalization of their ties, including returning ambassadors and natural gas supplies. The breakthrough was reported to allegedly have taken place at a secret meeting in Switzerland.
