Turkey Takes Action: Suspends Trade with Israel Amid ‘Humanitarian Tragedy’ in Gaza

Turkey has halted all trade with Israel in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region. The Turkish trade ministry announced that the suspension will remain in effect until Israel allows a consistent and sufficient flow of aid into Gaza.

Trade between Turkey and Israel amounted to nearly $7 billion last year, but now Turkey has taken a firm stance against Israel’s actions. Israel’s Foreign Minister accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of behaving like a dictator and disregarding the interests of both Turkish citizens and businesses.

The Turkish Trade Minister criticized Israel’s uncompromising approach to a ceasefire and the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He stated that Turkey has suspended all exports and imports with Israel until a permanent ceasefire is established and uninterrupted aid delivery to Gaza is permitted.

Historically, Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel in 1949, but relations have soured over the years. Tensions peaked in 2010 when Turkey severed diplomatic ties with Israel after Israeli forces killed 10 pro-Palestinian Turkish activists aboard a ship attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Although diplomatic relations were restored in 2016, they deteriorated once again in 2018 following a dispute over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Since then, President Erdogan has been increasingly vocal in his criticism of Israel, likening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to infamous dictators and condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Turkey’s decision to suspend trade with Israel comes amid growing domestic pressure on President Erdogan to take a tougher stance against Israel. His ruling AK party suffered a significant defeat in local elections, prompting calls for stronger measures against Israel from both political opponents and allies.

This move follows Turkey’s recent imposition of restrictions on 54 products exported to Israel, and now all exports and imports have been suspended. Israel was Turkey’s 13th largest export market in 2023, accounting for 2.1% of Turkish exports, while Turkey was Israel’s fifth-largest source of imports.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, with reports of imminent famine and catastrophic hunger affecting over a million people. The US has announced the imminent opening of a pier built to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza, but the UN emphasizes that land routes remain essential for delivering the bulk of aid.

Despite international pressure, Israel has launched a military campaign in Gaza, resulting in thousands of casualties and significant humanitarian suffering. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, urging both sides to reach a deal. Mediators are awaiting a response from Hamas on the proposed ceasefire agreement.