Turkey Ends Trade Relations with Israel Due to Gaza Situation: Latest Updates

Turkey Halts Trade with Israel Over Gaza Conflict

In a bold move signaling further deterioration in relations between Turkey and Israel, Turkey announced late Thursday that it had halted all trade with Israel until “uninterrupted and adequate humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza.” This decision comes amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

The Trade Ministry of Turkey issued a statement declaring that all exports and imports for all products would be paused until Israel’s bombardment of Gaza ceases. Trade Minister Omer Bolat emphasized that the suspension would remain in place until a permanent ceasefire is established and uninterrupted humanitarian aid is permitted into Gaza. This move, reported by Bloomberg, drew sharp criticism from Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of behaving like a dictator and disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businesses.

Israel reported $5.4 billion in exports to Israel in 2023 and $1.64 billion in imports, according to United Nations figures. Despite this significant economic relationship, Erdogan has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, condemning the bombardment and expressing support for Hamas. Erdogan recently met with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and other Hamas officials in Istanbul, where he vowed that “Israel will certainly pay the price of the atrocities it has been inflicting on Palestinians one day.”

This decision to halt trade with Israel is not the first step taken by Turkey in response to the conflict in Gaza. Earlier in April, Turkey imposed export restrictions on Israel in 54 product groups, including cement and jet fuel, and stated that they would remain in force until Israel declared an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The Trade Ministry described the latest suspension as “the second step in intergovernmental measures” and cited the worsening humanitarian tragedy in Palestine as justification for the action.

In addition to halting trade, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Turkey would join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This move aligns Turkey with efforts to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza and seek justice for the Palestinian people.

As tensions escalate between Turkey and Israel over the Gaza conflict, the international community is closely watching the developments and the impact they may have on the broader Middle East region. The decision to halt trade underscores the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding the conflict, with both sides taking firm stances on their respective positions. The future of the relationship between Turkey and Israel remains uncertain as the conflict in Gaza continues to unfold.