A Palestinian shot dead by Israeli security forces in northern West Bank

At least 33 Palestinians were shot by Israeli forces on Friday in clashes across the West Bank, Ma’an news reported.

The document which was distributed worldwide to Israeli diplomats states that Israel has “valid property claims and a Jewish affinity” to the region of the West Bank and Hebron which goes back thousands of years.

In 2013, under pressure from Washington, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologised to Turkey over the Mavi Marmara incident, in what was seen as the first step in mending ties.

Ankara agreed to ban Palestinian Hamas terror master Salah Arouri’s reentry to his base in Istanbul when he tries to return from a visit to Qatar – a goodwill gesture to Israel.

According to the official, Turkey and Israel would also begin to negotiate on a gas pipeline between the two countries.

Once the final agreement is reached between the sides – and this is the fifth point – Turkey and Israel will explore cooperation in natural gas resources with Ankara, which will buy it from Israeli offshore gas fields.

A Turkish official confirmed that talks had taken place but denied any agreement had been reached, adding that efforts to normalise relations were continuing. “Israel has always sought stable relations with Turkey and is constantly looking for ways of how to get there”, Foreign Ministry Director-General Dore Gold said in a statement.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian protester and wounded another 41 people during clashes along the border with Israel, the Palestinian health ministry said.

Earlier this week, Mr. Erdogan, now Turkey’s president, hinted at warming Israeli-Turkish relations, saying an agreement could be good for the region. But his stance has softened in recent weeks since relations with Russia have become strained over Syria and the shooting down of a Russian fighter jet by the Turks. The bill additionally includes a provision that would halt funding unless action is taken to stop incitement for violence against Israelis.

Following the Mavi Marmara raid, Turkey and Israel withdrew their ambassadors and ended their joint military exercises, although trade and tourism continued at about the same levels.

Erdogan’s critical rhetoric toward Israeli policies in Gaza have been hailed by many in the Arab world.