Israel withdraws diplomats from NATO nation among escalating tensions

2023-10-22 05:31:31

(MENAFN) In response to mounting concerns of potential violent reprisals linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel has reportedly recalled all its diplomats from Turkey. This decision comes in the wake of impassioned pro-Palestine demonstrations in Turkey, some of which culminated in clashes. While the move is primarily viewed as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of personnel amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, it is important to note that Israeli officials have stressed that the withdrawal is not Politically motivated, but rather driven by security concerns.

Just a day prior to this evacuation, the Israeli government issued an urgent advisory for its citizens to depart Turkey immediately, citing similar apprehensions in the aftermath of tumultuous protests at Israel's Istanbul consulate and Ankara embassy. These demonstrations followed a tragic incident in Gaza where a Palestinian hospital was struck in a missile or rocket attack, resulting in a substantial loss of life, according to Gaza's health ministry. Responsibility for the attack has been a subject of dispute between both sides.

The protest outside the consulate in Istanbul took a chaotic turn, with some protestors resorting to stone-throwing, launching fireworks, and even attempting to set fire to the premises. Law enforcement responded by employing water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the agitated crowd. Reports also suggest that some demonstrators sought to breach the Ankara residence of Israeli Ambassador Irit Lillian. Fortunately, the envoy and her staff had already been safely evacuated as of Thursday, according to Turkish officials.

Similar demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine have unfolded in various cities across the Middle East, including Libya, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Kuwait, and other nations. These protests reflect a widespread and deeply felt sentiment of solidarity with the Palestinian people, further underlining the gravity and complexity of the situation in the region.

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