Turkey has halted all import and export transactions with Israel in protest over the war in Gaza. The trade ministry of Turkey announced that all import and export transactions related to Israel have been stopped until the Israeli government allows an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This move has been criticized by Israel, with a senior member of the government accusing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of breaking trade agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports.
Israel’s trade with Turkey was worth $7 billion last year, with Israel being among the top 20 destinations for Turkish exports, buying goods and services worth $5.4 billion. The top Turkish exports to Israel include steel, vehicles, plastics, electrical devices, and machinery, while Turkey’s imports from Israel amounted to $1.6 billion. In response to Turkey’s actions, Israel’s foreign minister has ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage with relevant parties to create alternatives for trade with Turkey, focusing on local production and imports from other countries.
Turkey’s decision to halt trade with Israel follows the introduction of restrictions on exports to Israel last month after accusing Israel of denying a request to airdrop aid to Gaza. Turkey is one of the biggest donors of aid to Gaza, according to Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. The military assault on Gaza by Israel, in response to Hamas attacks, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, with neighborhoods turned into rubble and the threat of starvation looming.
The Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 34,600 Palestinians as of May 1, with a majority being women and children. Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, praised Turkey’s decision to halt trade with Israel in support of the Palestinian people who are facing a genocide. The lack of international media access in the region has made it difficult to independently confirm the figures of casualties. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
In conclusion, Turkey’s decision to halt trade with Israel in protest over the war in Gaza has sparked criticism from Israeli officials. The conflict in Gaza has led to a high number of casualties and widespread destruction, with international support and aid crucial for the people in the region. The actions of both Turkey and Israel in this situation reflect the complexities and challenges of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Efforts to find peaceful solutions and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict are essential in resolving the situation in Gaza.
