"Israel", Turkey Reach Draft Deal on Compensation

Local Editor

"Israel" and Turkey reached a draft agreement on compensation for the victims of a 2010 "Israeli" massacre on a Gaza-bound flotilla.
The draft agreement was reached during a meeting in Occupied al-Quds on Monday between Turkish officials, headed by the deputy foreign minister, and "Israeli" government representatives.

"Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office said a final agreement was expected soon. It did not reveal details on Monday's agreement and said "additional clarifications" were needed on a "few issues."

"Israel" and Turkey are working to mend ties that were ruptured after the 2010 raid, which martyred eight Turks and one Turkish-American when "Israeli" commandos stormed an aid ship heading towards Gaza.

As part of the US-brokered rapprochement, "Israel" apologized to Turkey for the deaths and agreed to pay compensation to the victims as a step toward restoring ties.

According to "Israeli" agencies, "Israel" is expected to pay millions of shekels as part of the agreement.
Last month, the families of the victims announced they would not drop the lawsuits filed against former "Israeli" military commanders.
According to the reconciliation agreement, an undisclosed sum of money will be transferred to the victims' families. It remains unclear whether the wounded will be paid as well.

In a statement read on board the Mavi Marmara - now anchored in Istanbul - the families said they oppose Turkey opening discussions with "Israel" until all restrictions on Palestinians are removed.

"While no steps have been taken to lift the severe restrictions or to amend the rights of the Palestinians who are oppressed, these meetings for compensation are an insult to our martyrs," said igdem Topcuoglu, widow of Cetin Topcuoglu.

The relatives vowed not to withdraw complaints filed against four "Israeli" military officials who are being tried in Turkey in absentia. Turkish prosecutors have demanded life in prison for the officers, although it is unlikely that any sentence could be carried out.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org