Global Geopolitical Series: Turkey recalls ambassadors from Israel and U.S. to protest embassy move and Gaza violence

Turkey, which has been at the forefront of the protest against the U.S. decision to move its Israeli embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem recalled its ambassadors on Monday from both Israel and the United States to in protest as the Trump administration made good on President Donald Trump’s December decision and opened its embassy in Jerusalem officially. According to reports, the decision was made also to protest the deaths of scores of Palestinians near Gaza border in the latest break out violence in the region.

The move by Turkey, however, is not an unexpected one since Turkey announced in December, right after President Trump’s decision to relocate the embassy that it would recall its ambassadors should the United States make good on the relocation promise. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the removal of the envoys at a speech he delivered in London. In London, Turkey met with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, whose office released a statement criticizing the U.S. decision and announced that the UK has no plans to follow the United States unless a peace agreement is reached between Palestinians and Israel.