The Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, announced that Israel has resumed air travel with Turkey, marking a notable step forward in the two countries’ bilateral relationship. The announcement comes as part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation and maintain open lines of communication between Jerusalem and Ankara.
Cohen added that the inaugural flight on this renewed schedule is planned for February 16, signaling a tangible move toward greater economic and people-to-people exchange.
Earlier in the day, Turkey’s Ambassador to Israel, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, expressed gratitude to Israeli rescue teams for their rapid assistance to Turkey in the wake of the recent earthquakes. On February 7, a contingent of Israeli rescuers traveled to Adana to participate in search and rescue operations in areas hit by the disaster, underscoring a collaborative spirit in response to the crisis.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledged the important role played by Israel, alongside Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, in the immediate response to the earthquake that struck parts of Turkey. The swift help from these nations was recognized as a crucial factor in the early relief efforts and ongoing humanitarian support.
In the days following the earthquake, rescue teams continued operations across affected regions. On February 14, it was reported that, fourteen hours after the earthquake struck Adıyaman, rescue teams succeeded in locating an 18-year-old survivor, highlighting the ongoing, multi-day search and rescue mission that has characterized the response. The sustained international cooperation continues to shape the relief landscape as Turkey works to recover from the disaster and rebuild affected communities.