Turkey suspends all trade with Israel over Israeli military actions in Gaza

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey on Thursday suspended all imports and exports to Israel in the wake of the Israeli military offensive against Gaza, and extended the measures until the Israeli government allows the flow of humanitarian aid to the territory. Promised to keep it implemented.

In a statement, Turkey’s Commerce Ministry indicated that “export and import transactions with respect to Israel have been halted, and they cover all products.”

The ministry said Turkish officials will coordinate with Palestinian authorities to ensure that Palestinians are not affected by the suspension of imports and exports.

The ministry described the move as a “second phase” of measures against Israel, and said it would continue sanctions until the Israeli government “allows the uninterrupted and adequate flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”

Last month, Turkey – a strong critic of Israel’s military actions – announced it would restrict exports of 54 types of products to Israel, including aluminum, steel, construction products and chemical fertilizers. The Israeli government responded by announcing trade barriers.

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz had accused Turkey of stopping Israeli imports and exports at Turkish ports.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is “violating agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports,” Katz wrote on the social network X.

Katz said he ordered officials to “immediately communicate with all relevant parts of the government to create alternatives to trade with Turkey, focusing on local production and imports from other countries.”

Erdogan’s government, which suffered a serious setback in local elections in March, is under strong domestic pressure to suspend trade with Israel. Its critics accuse the government of double standards by making harsh accusations against the Israeli government but also maintaining trade relations.

Turkey recognized Israel in 1949. During Erdogan’s government, tensions between the two countries waxed and waned. Following the military attack in Gaza, the Turkish ruler increased his criticism of Israel and accused it of war crimes and genocide. He has said that the Palestinian group Hamas – which Israel, the United States and the European Union consider a terrorist organization – fights for independence.

This week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Turkey has decided to join the proceedings initiated by South Africa against Israel before the International Court of Justice, and that he will soon submit a formal request to intervene in the case. Will do.

In its complaint to the ICJ, South Africa accused Israel of violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide due to its military offensive in Gaza. Israel denies that its military operation in Gaza is a violation of the said convention.