Turkish Tourists' Jerusalem Greeting Sparks Controversy

A Jerusalem resident approaching Turkish tourists at the Old City's Jaffa Gate on Sunday to offer a welcome was met with a surprising response. Two Turkish tourists shouted back, "Welcome, this is my home." The brief encounter occurs amid Turkey's increasing efforts to deepen its influence in Jerusalem, Gaza, and the Palestinian territories.

This follows a July report by Ynet and Yediot Ahronot detailing an official Turkish presidential publication titled "Our Palestinian Issue." This 769-page book portrays Israel as committing genocide and war crimes, identifies Zionism as the root of the conflict, and quotes Hamas leaders under the heading "The struggle against Israeli oppression."

According to a new report by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCAP), Turkey's strategy focuses on diplomatic, legal, and awareness campaigns rather than direct military confrontation. This includes promoting proceedings against Israel in international courts, exerting political and public relations pressure, and expanding Turkey's involvement in Palestinian affairs.

The struggle for Turkish influence also extends to the future of the Gaza Strip, with Turkey seeking a significant role in post-conflict planning. Israel opposes the presence of Turkish soldiers in any international force operating in Gaza.

Ran Ishai, a retired ambassador and head of research at JCAP, commented that the incident at Jaffa Gate, where Turkish tourists exhibit a "false sense of ownership" inspired by President Erdogan's behavior, highlights the need to revoke visas for Turkish tourists until relations are updated. This includes canceling Turkish arrest warrants against Israeli officials and ending support for cases against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Chaim Silberstein, chairman of the center, added that "Islamist tourists from Turkey are dangerous and incited against Israelis. This group should be immediately removed from Israeli territory."