A Turkish newspaper closely associated with the ruling Justice and Development Party [AKP] of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reported over the weekend that Israel has agreed to ease the blockade of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip in exchange for upgraded ties between Jerusalem and Ankara. However, Israeli officials were quick to point out that anything going in or out of Gaza’s overland crossings will still be subject to a strict inspections regime. In related news, Erdogan hosted Khaled Mishaal, leader of Islamist terror militia Hamas, on Saturday in Istanbul. An official statement from Erdogan’s office gave few details of the meeting, which came amidst Israeli demands that Turkey kick Hamas leaders out of the country as their own price for improved relations. Read More >>
