In light of what’s happening in Gaza, Turkey has taken a significant step by suspending all trade with Israel, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The Turkish Ministry of Trade has stated that this measure will remain in place until Israel allows “unhindered and adequate flow” of aid into Gaza.
Last year, the trade between both nations amounted to nearly $7 billion (£5.6 billion). However, Israel’s Foreign Minister has accused Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of acting like a “dictator.” Israel Katz stated on Twitter that Mr. Erdoğan is “disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businesses, and neglecting international trade agreements.”
He further directed the Foreign Ministry to explore trade options with Turkey while paying attention to local production and imports from other countries.
Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Omar Bolat, criticized Israel not only for its “unilateral attitude” towards the ceasefire but also for the humanitarian situation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. He conveyed, “Turkey has put a halt on all trade transactions with Israel until there’s a lasting ceasefire in place and Gaza receives unimpeded aid.”
Back in 1949, Turkey made history by being the inaugural Muslim-majority nation to extend recognition to Israel. However, relations have soured in recent decades.
In 2010, following an attempt by Turkish-owned ships to break Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, a clash with Israeli commandos resulted in the deaths of 10 Turkish activists supporting Palestine. Turkey severed diplomatic ties with Israel in response.
Relations were restored in 2016, but amidst protests against Israel’s killings of Palestinians along the Gaza-Israel border, both countries expelled each other’s top diplomats two years later.
