Turkey has halted all trade activities with Israel due to the latter’s “non-stop violence” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This move follows Turkey’s imposition of restrictions on an array of exports to Israel since last month, which Ankara emphasized will remain in effect until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.
In a statement, the Turkish Trade Ministry acknowledged that Ankara previously restricted the export of 54 product groups to Israel in April due to the “massacre, humanitarian catastrophe, and physical destruction caused by Israel.” The Israeli government’s disregard for international ceasefire efforts and obstruction of humanitarian aid prompted these actions.
The Ministry expressed concern that Israel’s aggressive behavior continues and that the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine is escalating. It stated that “In this respect, the second phase of the measures taken at the state level has been initiated and export and import transactions with Israel have been suspended for all products.”
Turkey vowed to strictly and decisively implement these new measures until Israel allows the uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Turkish Trade Ministry also assured that it is coordinating with Palestinian authorities to minimize the impact of these restrictions on Palestinians living under occupation.
Trade between Turkey and Israel amounted to $6.8 billion in 2023, with Turkish exports accounting for 76% of the total, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.
