Palestinians inspect destroyed residential buildings, after the Israeli military withdrew most of its ground troops from the southern Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip April 7, 2024. REUTERS/Ahmed Zakot/File Photo
Turkey has imposed restrictions on the export of various products to Israel, effective immediately and lasting until a ceasefire is declared in Gaza. This action marks Ankara’s first significant response to Israel after six months of conflict. The restricted exports include steel, fertilizer, and jet fuel. In retaliation, Israel has announced its own restrictions on products from Turkey.
The Turkish government has criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which commenced following the actions of the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7. Ankara has called for an immediate ceasefire, advocated for legal measures against Israel for alleged genocide, and provided substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza. Despite its strong rhetoric, Turkey maintained commercial ties with Israel, resulting in domestic criticism.
The trade restrictions cover 54 categories of products, including iron, marble, steel, cement, aluminum, bricks, fertilizer, construction equipment, and aviation fuel. Turkey’s Trade Ministry stated that these measures will persist until Israel complies with its obligations under international law by declaring a ceasefire in Gaza and permitting the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into the region.
Israel’s Foreign Minister denounced Turkey’s actions as a unilateral violation of trade agreements between the two countries. He accused Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan of prioritizing support for Hamas over the economic interests of the Turkish people. This move marks the first significant measure taken by Ankara against Israel since the onset of the conflict.
In recent weeks, President Erdogan has faced mounting criticism for maintaining commercial ties with Israel. This criticism has led to anti-government protests and has affected his popularity. Notably, the New Welfare Party has gained support in local elections due to its more hardline stance on the Gaza conflict.
Despite the trade restrictions, data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly indicates that exports to Israel have increased each month in 2024. However, overall exports in the first quarter of the year have decreased by 21.6% compared to the previous year. Turkey had previously ceased exporting goods to Israel that could be used for military purposes, according to the Trade Ministry.
While the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and other opposition parties support the decision to restrict exports to Israel, they believe that the measures do not go far enough. The CHP has called for a complete cessation of trade with Israel, while other parties have urged the government to block its airspace and ports to Israeli planes and vessels.
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