The British Prime Minister David Cameron addressed the Gaza problem, Turkish-Israel relations and the recent crisis erupting between the two countries.
The British Prime Minister voiced support for Turkey’s position on the Gaza flotilla attack, when Israeli special forces boarded a humanitarian aid ship in international waters and killed nine Turkish citizens, including a young Turkish American, in the ensuing clashes. Cameron said that “the Israeli attack on the Gaza flotilla was completely unacceptable,” and that he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “[we] will expect the Israeli inquiry to be swift, transparent and rigorous.” On Israel's blockade of Gaza, Cameron said, "The situation in Gaza has to change. Humanitarian goods and people must flow in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp."
He stated his hope that direct talks between Israel and Palestinians will start soon, remarking that Turkey can make the case for peace and “can help press the parties to come together and point the way to a just and viable solution.”
“I know that Gaza has led to real strains in Turkey’s relationship with Israel,” Mr. Cameron added. “But Turkey is a friend of Israel and I urge Turkey – and Israel – not to give up on that friendship.”
