Turkey has halted all trade with Israel in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, citing a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Turkish trade ministry announced that the suspension will remain in effect until Israel ensures “an uninterrupted and sufficient flow” of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Last year, the total trade between Turkey and Israel reached nearly $7 billion (£5.6 billion).
However, Turkey’s recent decision underscores its disapproval of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
In response to Turkey’s decision, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing him as a “dictator.”
Katz posted on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that Erdogan was disregarding the needs of Turkish citizens and business interests while ignoring international trade agreements.
Katz also revealed that Israel is exploring other trade partnerships to reduce its reliance on Turkey, with a focus on domestic production and imports from different countries.
The Turkish trade ministry specified that the trade embargo applies to “all products.”
The statement emphasized that Turkey will “strictly and decisively implement these new measures until the Israeli government allows an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
The relationship between Turkey and Israel has been strained for years.
Despite Turkey being the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel in 1949, the two nations have experienced a series of diplomatic rifts.
In 2010, ties were severed after ten pro-Palestinian Turkish activists died in a clash with Israeli commandos aboard a Turkish-owned ship attempting to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza.
Although relations were reestablished in 2016, they soured again in 2018 after disputes over the killing of Palestinians during protests along the Gaza-Israel border.
President Erdogan’s rhetoric has grown increasingly harsh since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October of last year.
In January, Erdogan compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to the attack to actions reminiscent of Hitler.
Netanyahu fired back, stating, “Erdogan, who commits genocide against the Kurds, who holds a world record for imprisoning journalists who oppose his rule, is the last person who can preach morality to us.”
International criticism of Israel’s handling of the Gaza situation has been mounting.
A recent UN-backed assessment highlighted the risk of catastrophic hunger and potential famine in northern Gaza.
The US has been taking steps to facilitate the delivery of aid into Gaza, including building a pier to expedite shipments.
However, the UN cautioned that maritime routes alone cannot meet the large-scale needs, emphasizing the importance of land-based transport.
Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that a deal might be close, with a proposed 40-day ceasefire and the release of over 30 Israeli hostages in exchange for a larger number of Palestinian prisoners.
Mediators are awaiting a response from Hamas to move forward with the plan.