Sergey Minasyan, the head of the Political Studies Department at the Caucasus Institute, does not think the recent Israeli-Turkish tension will cause any serious problems. According to him, Turkey’s aspiration to play a crucial role in the Middle East is the reason for present aggravation in bilateral relations. Hostilities are unlikely, Minasyan said. “It is a moment for diplomatic games now,” he said.

May 31, Israeli militaries stormed ships of the international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. At least 9 human rights activists, including Turkish citizens were killed and hundreds injured in the attack. The action was organized by human rights activists from Ireland, Sweden, Greece, Turkey, Algeria and Kuwait. After the incident Turkey called off its Ambassador from Israel.