Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan didn't need to declare a connection between Zionism and racism to gain popularity among Palestinians. His most recent speech spurred angry reactions from Israel, adding fuel to the fire in relations between Tel Aviv and Ankara, which have been tense since the Marmara flotilla raid off the coast of Gaza three years ago.

People walking through the streets of Gaza Strip can find images of Erdogan and shops that carry his name. Newborns have even been named for him on birth certificates in Palestinian hospitals, reflecting love for Erdogan and the role he plays. Meanwhile, Palestinians sing of the support they wish to see from their Arab brethren.

Contrary to the religious, emotional and historical trends of the Turks regarding the Palestinian issue in general, and particularly given the Justice and Development Party’s Islamist inclinations, Turkey’s concern for the Palestinian cause is based on principled, legal and political premises. Erdogan spoke of these premises in his remarks during the Davos forum two years ago and at the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) a number of days ago in Vienna, both of which were condemned by Israel.

Turkey’s efforts with respect to the Palestinian issue are assumed to have as their goal a just and comprehensive peace, as an indispensable part of Turkey's “strategic depth” and “dispute settling” policy, espoused by Turkish diplomat Ahmet Davutoglu since he became foreign minister. The Turkish position on Palestine supports demands for a state based on the 1967 borders, with its capital in Jerusalem. In a practical sense, this requires supporting the Palestinian Authority and its right to defend itself against the occupation and blockade, and in turn supporting Hamas.