Turkey Suspends All Trade with Israel Over Gaza Offensive

 

Turkey has taken a decisive step by suspending all trade with Israel in response to the ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in a "worsening humanitarian tragedy" in the region. The Turkish Trade Ministry announced the measures, which will remain in place until Israel allows an "uninterrupted and sufficient flow" of aid into Gaza.

The trade suspension is a significant move, considering the substantial trade volume between the two countries. In 2023, trade between Turkey and Israel was worth almost $7 billion, with Turkey being Israel's fifth-largest source of imports and Israel being Turkey's 13th-largest export market.

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat criticized Israel's "uncompromising attitude" towards a ceasefire and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly in the southern city of Rafah. He stated that Turkey would not resume trade until a permanent ceasefire is established and aid can flow into Gaza without interruption.

The move is seen as a response to growing domestic pressure on the Turkish government to take action against Israel. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal in his criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, comparing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to historical figures like Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Joseph Stalin.

Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, accused Erdogan of acting like a "dictator" and disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, as well as international trade agreements. Katz instructed the foreign ministry to find alternative trade partners and focus on local production and imports from other countries.

The suspension of trade between Turkey and Israel is the latest development in a long-standing dispute between the two countries. In 2010, Turkey broke off diplomatic ties with Israel after Israeli commandos killed 10 pro-Palestinian Turkish activists on a ship trying to break the Gaza blockade. Relations were restored in 2016, but tensions have remained high, with both countries expelling each other's top diplomats in 2018.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the United Nations warning of an imminent famine in the northern part of the strip. The UN has called for a maritime corridor to facilitate aid delivery, but Israel has only partially reopened the Erez Crossing for aid convoys.

The US has also been involved in efforts to facilitate aid delivery, with the White House announcing the construction of a pier to facilitate the flow of aid into Gaza. However, the UN has emphasized that a maritime corridor can never replace land routes, which are essential for delivering the bulk of supplies needed.

The situation remains dire, with over 34,500 people killed in Gaza since October, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.