Turkey has suspended all trade with Israel over IDF’s bombing war in Gaza as relations continue to strain between the two regional powers.
Why Turkey Cut Trade With Israel
Turkey supports a two-state solution and had worked on relations in recent years. But the conflict in Gaza continues to sour Israel’s relationships with neighbours, now Turkey.
The Turkish Trade Ministry said exports and imports had abruptly ‘stopped’ on Thursday, and that the measures would remain until Israel allows what it deems ‘an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid’ into the beleaguered Strip.
In its statement, the Turkish trade ministry described the step as the ‘second phase’ of measures against Israel, adding that the steps would remain in force until Israel ‘allows an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.’
Israel Reacts
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has since reacted to the news from Turkey in a post on Twitter/X on Thursday.
‘This is how a dictator behaves, disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, and ignoring international trade agreements.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ‘is breaking agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports,’ Katz wrote on the social platform X.
What Will Israel Do Now?
Katz said he had instructed the foreign ministry to seek out alternatives for trade with Turkey, including focusing on internal production as Israel’s local relationships are tested by its seven-month campaign in Gaza.
READ ALSO: Builder, 60, killed himself – he cut his hand OFF and left it in washing up bowl in kitchen sink
Does Israel’s Suspension Affect Palestine?
However, Turkish officials added in their declaration that they would work with the relevant Palestinian authorities to ensure Palestinians are not affected by the suspension.
Turkey and Israel had a trade volume of $6.8 billion in 2023. The two countries had finally normalised ties after years of tensions by appointing ambassadors in 2022.
Erdogan Call Israel a ‘Terror State’
But the war in Gaza has seen relations spiral in recent months with President Erdogan calling Israel a ‘terror state’ and introducing trade restrictions expected to hurt Israel’s economy – a move matched in kind by Israel.
Turkey’s decision can be traced to the intense pressure the faced at home to halt trade with Israel.
Critics at home accuse the government of engaging in double standards by leveling strong accusations against Israel while pressing ahead with commercial relations.
