Turkey has denied Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s request to use its airspace for a flight to the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, effectively blocking his participation in the event. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between Turkey and Israel, particularly following Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Key Takeaways
- Turkey denied Herzog’s airspace request, preventing his attendance at COP29.
- The decision reflects deteriorating relations between Turkey and Israel.
- Herzog cited "security concerns" for canceling his trip.
- The Israeli delegation still attended the summit via alternative routes.
Background of the Event
The COP29 summit, held from November 12-13, 2024, in Baku, was intended to address global climate issues. Israeli officials had submitted a request for Herzog’s aircraft to traverse Turkish airspace, which was crucial for the flight’s route. However, Turkish officials confirmed that permission was not granted, leading to the cancellation of Herzog’s participation.
Deteriorating Relations
Relations between Turkey and Israel have been strained since the onset of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which began after a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating that nearly 43,800 people have died in Gaza. This humanitarian crisis has prompted Turkey to take a strong stance against Israel, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemning the actions as genocidal.
In recent months, diplomatic ties have further deteriorated, culminating in Erdogan’s announcement that Turkey has officially severed relations with Israel. He stated, "We do not have any relationship with Israel at this point. Period." This marks a significant shift in Turkey’s foreign policy, aligning more closely with nations critical of Israeli actions.
Implications of the Flight Denial
The denial of airspace access for Herzog’s flight is emblematic of the broader geopolitical tensions in the region. It highlights Turkey’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and its willingness to take a firm stance against Israel’s military actions. The decision also underscores the complexities of international diplomacy, particularly in the context of climate change discussions, where cooperation is often essential.
Despite the setback for Herzog, the Israeli delegation managed to attend the summit through commercial flights, reportedly traveling via Georgia. This alternative route indicates that while high-level diplomatic relations may be strained, practical cooperation continues in some areas.
Conclusion
Turkey’s refusal to allow Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s flight to COP29 is a clear indication of the escalating tensions between the two nations. As Turkey continues to advocate for Palestinian rights and condemn Israeli military actions, the diplomatic landscape in the region remains fraught with challenges. The implications of this incident may resonate beyond the immediate context, affecting future interactions between Turkey, Israel, and other regional players.
Sources
- Turkey blocked Israeli President Herzog’s flight to COP29 in Azerbaijan, officials confirm – Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012, Al-Monitor.
- Türkiye denies Israeli President Herzog’s airspace request, Anadolu Ajansı.
- Turkey blocked Israeli president’s flight to COP29 amid tensions | eKathimerini.com, eKathimerini.com.
- Turkey blocked Israeli president from entering Turkish airspace | Middle East Eye, Middle East Eye.
- Turkey Cuts Off Relations With Israel, Erdogan Says – Newsweek, Newsweek.
