Israeli Occupation Government Refuses Turkish FM, Oglu, Request to Visit Besieged Gaza Strip

[ 10/09/2009 - 09:02 AM ]

ISTANBUL, (PIC)--

Israel's refusal to allow Turkish foreign minister Ahmed Daoud Oglu to visit the Gaza Strip through the Erez crossing threatened a new tension in relations between the two governments.

Hebrew daily Ha'aretz reported on Wednesday that Israel was concerned that Oglu's visit would include a tour of areas devastated in the Israeli war on Gaza and would serve as a media stunt for Hamas, the de facto ruler of the Strip.

It said that the Turkish foreign minister might also have to voice anti-Israel statements, which would heighten tensions between them.

Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan had denounced Israel's war on Gaza, charging it of committing war crimes during that aggression. Erdogan, who was speaking during Davos economic forum in January 2009, walked out from the conference protesting not allowing him to proceed with his statement.

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