The Turkish parliament has approved a reconciliation between Turkey and Israel, bringing to an end a six-year rift between the two countries.

The agreement will completely normalize relations between the two countries, including an exchange of ambassadors. It is believed that this exchange will happen soon, and it is expected that Turkey will announce an ambassador to Israel by next week.

In Jerusalem, the Prime Minister’s Office said: “Israel welcomes the Turkish Parliament’s decision to approve the deal recently concluded by the two governments and looks forward to the next steps of its implementation, including the return of our respective ambassadors.”

Although the agreement won't fix all of the problems between the two countries, it is seen as important in strengthening Israel's geo-strategic position in the Middle East, writes Ynet news.

As part of the agreement, Israel will also pay the families of those who were killed aboard the Mavi Marmara $20 million within the next 25 days. Turkey will cancel all lawsuits against the IDF soldiers and officers who were involved in the incident. .

Under the deal, the naval blockade of Gaza, which Ankara had wanted lifted, remains in force, although humanitarian aid can continue to be transferred to Gaza via Israeli ports.

Israel says the Gaza blockade is needed to curb arms smuggling by Hamas.

A few hours after the approval of the deal by the Turkish parliament, high ranking Turkish officials have said that business will soon be back to usual, and that Deputy Turkish Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek is willing to visit Israel.

"The reconciliation agreement with Israel is good for Turkey and for the entire region," Şimşek wrote in a tweet message. "I expect to visit Israel during my next round of international visits."