Ankara, Turkey – In response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, Turkey has halted all trade with Israel, citing concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region. The Turkish trade ministry announced that this suspension will remain in place until Israel allows for an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of aid into Gaza. Last year, the trade relationship between the two countries was valued at almost $7 billion.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accusing him of behaving like a “dictator” and disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businesses. In retaliation, Katz directed the foreign ministry to seek alternative trade options to replace their reliance on Turkey.
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat condemned Israel for its uncompromising stance on a ceasefire and the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Turkey has decided to cease all exports and imports with Israel until a lasting ceasefire is achieved and aid deliveries to Gaza remain uninterrupted.
This decision marks a significant escalation in the strained relations between Turkey and Israel over the years. Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel in 1949, but diplomatic ties have suffered setbacks, including a temporary rupture in 2010 following a deadly clash involving pro-Palestinian Turkish activists.
President Erdogan has been vocal in his criticism of Israel, particularly following a Hamas attack last year. He has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being complicit in atrocities and has labeled him as “the butcher of Gaza.”
In response to mounting domestic pressure and a recent electoral defeat, Erdogan’s ruling AK party has taken a hardline stance against Israel. The decision to suspend all trade with Israel comes amidst international concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with reports of widespread hunger and impending famine in the region.
While Israel has reopened the Erez Crossing for aid convoys, tensions remain high as accusations of attacks on aid lorries surface. The UN has raised concerns about Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza, although Israeli authorities deny restricting aid deliveries.
As mediation efforts continue to seek a resolution, Hamas and Israel are considering a proposal that includes a ceasefire and a potential prisoner exchange. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in thousands of casualties, further underscoring the urgency for a lasting peace agreement to be reached.