Turkey`s Role in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Complex History and Evolving Diplomacy

In the wake of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including one American and nine Turkish citizens, during an aid mission to Gaza organized by the Turkish NGO IHH in late May 2010, tensions escalated, leading to a significant geopolitical shift. This event marked a turning point in Turkey's relationship with Israel and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The incident involved the Mavi Marmara ship and was followed by a relocation to Jerusalem, which set the stage for a complex series of political developments.

The conflict, which reignited on October 7, when Hamas launched 5,500 missiles and engaged in attacks, had an immediate impact on Turkey's political landscape. Three years after the operation against the Mavi Marmara ship, Israel extended an apology to the victims' families, the wounded, and those affected by the incident. Furthermore, Israel's agreement to pay $20 million in compensation bolstered Turkey's position in its advocacy for Palestinian rights. This commitment was exemplified during Turkey's leadership of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Turkey, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, took a vocal and assertive stance on the Palestinian issue. Notably, during his tenure as Prime Minister in January 2009, President Erdoğan delivered strong words to Israeli President Shimon Peres at the Davos Economic Summit, vowing never to return to Davos. This stance endeared him to many in the Islamic world who saw him as a champion of the oppressed.

President Erdoğan's calls for reducing loss of life from both sides in the conflict reflect a nuanced approach. Despite his vocal support for Palestinian rights, he emphasizes the importance of dialogue and negotiation, showing a commitment to diplomacy.

Hamas' October 7 attack, characterized by Israeli Prime Minister as a "war," presented Turkey's Islamist class with new opportunities to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine. If reports suggesting that the attack aimed to "normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel" are accurate, Ankara's resolve to remain a key player in the region's dynamics has only intensified.

Ankara's mediation efforts, notably under the guidance of Ahmet Davutoglu in 2006, when he attempted to include Hamas in the political equation, have long been a part of Turkey's foreign policy toolkit. Even as Prime Minister, Mr. Davutoglu's focus shifted from the Palestinian issue to Syria's internal dynamics, while President Erdoğan remained committed to advocating for Palestinian rights.

A new conflict between Israel and Hamas has rekindled discussions about Turkey's role as a mediator. Israel's ambassador to Ankara, Ms. Irit Lilian, acknowledged that it might be "too early" to propose mediation, hinting that Turkey could play a role in future negotiations.

Turkey's diplomatic involvement could help rebuild confidence in the ruling AKP party, which saw a 14% drop in ratings after recent elections. For President Erdoğan and the AKP, this could signify a path toward regaining lost ground.

In the face of these developments, President Erdoğan has taken a decisive step by inaugurating the First Church in the history of the Turkish Republic, potentially signaling a desire for domestic unity amidst the ongoing international challenges.

In the complex intrigues of Middle Eastern politics, Turkey's role remains crucial, and President Erdoğan's experience and political astuteness may be instrumental in shaping the country's stance and potential mediation efforts in the days ahead.