Erdogan sets deadline for Israeli apology

According to the Turkish media, Racep Tayyip Erdogan plans to visit the Gaza Strip if Israel does not provide a formal apology before the 27th July, for the attack carried out on his country. The attack in question occurred last May on a freedom convoy, and led to the killing of eight Turkish citizens, and an American citizen of Turkish origin. The Turkish newspaper "Radical" said on the 20th July that "Erdogan's visit to the Gaza Strip will cause a new crisis between Turkey and Israel" according to Turkish diplomatic sources. Erdogan announced on 19th July that he wanted to visit the Gaza Strip after his visit to Egypt, saying: "The visit has not been set definitely...in the event that circumstances permit it, I would like to visit Gaza." The newspaper said that Erdogan's visit to Egypt was supposed to take place on 22nd July, but that it had been postponed until August. It also stated that the Israeli side was aware of Turkey's demand for an apology before 27th July, and that a refusal to apologize may lead to a negative outcome. The newspaper quoted a senior Turkish diplomat as saying: "Israel recognizes the seriousness of the situation." The diplomat expressed optimism that Israel will apologize before the deadline set. The Turkish Foreign Ministry did not comment on what was stated in "Radical".