Erdogan says Israel must be ‘more sensitive’ toward Palestinians before ties can improve

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he is open to improved relations with Israel, but the country must first display “more sensitive” policies toward Palestinians.

Speaking to a group of journalists in Qatar, Erdogan says that better ties with Israel would be “beneficial” for peace in the wider region, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency and other Turkish media.

“But at this point, Israel needs to be more sensitive concerning its Palestinian policy. It needs to be sensitive about Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque,” he says in reference to the Temple Mount.

“As soon as we detect the sensitivities, we will do our best and take steps [for better ties],” Erdogan says.

The Turkish leader’s comments were reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency and other Turkish media on Wednesday.