Tensions at Jaffa Gate as Turkish Tourists Claim Jerusalem as Their Home
An incident at Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate involving Turkish tourists claiming ownership of the city has sparked calls from Israeli policy experts to suspend tourist visas for Turkish nationals.
An unexpected confrontation occurred at the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem on Sunday morning. A local resident who arrived to welcome tourists visiting the Old City was left stunned when two female tourists from Turkey shouted back at him: "This is my home. You are the one who is welcome."
This brief encounter comes amid growing concerns over Turkey's systematic efforts to deepen its influence in the Israeli capital, the Gaza Strip, and the broader Palestinian arena.
Turkey's Strategic Doctrine
In July, an official 769-page book published by the Turkish Presidential Communications Directorate, titled "Our Palestinian Issue," was uncovered. The publication portrays Israel as committing war crimes and labels Zionism as the root of the conflict, even dedicating a chapter to statements by senior Hamas officials.
According to a new report by the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy (JCAP), Ankara's strategy avoids direct military confrontation with Israel, focusing instead on diplomatic, legal, and consciousness-shaping campaigns. This includes backing international court cases against Israel and exerting political pressure.
Calls for Visa Restrictions
The struggle for influence also extends to the future of the Gaza Strip. While Turkey seeks to be a major player in shaping post-war Gaza, Israel strongly opposes any deployment of Turkish troops within a potential international peacekeeping force.
Ambassador (Ret.) Ran Ishay, head of research at JCAP, stated:
"The incident at Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate, which is not the first of its kind where Turkish tourists walk around Jerusalem with a false sense of ownership inspired by Erdogan's rhetoric, highlights the urgent need to deny entry visas to Turkish tourists until bilateral relations are re-established on an updated foundation."
Ishay emphasized that this must include Turkey canceling arrest warrants against Israeli officials and withdrawing its support for international legal proceedings against Israel in The Hague. JCAP Chairman Chaim Silberstein added that incited extremist tourists should face immediate deportation.
