Turkey Suspends Trade with Israel Over Gaza Offensive
In a bold move, Turkey has decided to halt all trade with Israel in response to the ongoing offensive in Gaza. The Turkish trade ministry cited the “worsening humanitarian tragedy” in the strip as the reason behind this drastic measure.
The trade suspension will remain in effect until Israel allows an “uninterrupted and sufficient flow” of aid into Gaza, stated the Turkish trade ministry. Last year, trade between the two countries amounted to almost $7 billion (£5.6 billion).
Israel’s foreign minister didn’t hold back, accusing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of behaving like a “dictator”. He criticized Erdogan for disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, as well as ignoring international trade agreements.
As a response, Israel’s foreign ministry has been tasked with exploring alternatives for trade with Turkey, focusing on local production and imports from other countries.
Turkey made it clear that the trade suspension covers “all products” and that these new measures will be strictly enforced until Israel meets the demand for allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza without interruptions.
Historically, Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel in 1949. However, relations between the two nations have deteriorated over the years, with several diplomatic clashes.
One of the major turning points was in 2010 when Turkey cut off diplomatic ties with Israel following clashes that resulted in the deaths of 10 pro-Palestinian Turkish activists. The relationship was partially restored in 2016 but faced further strains in subsequent years.
Erdogan’s criticism of Israel has been escalating, particularly after a deadly Hamas attack on Israel last year. He likened Israel’s response to Hitler’s actions, prompting a sharp retort from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with a UN-backed report highlighting the imminent threat of famine in the region. The White House has announced plans to open a pier to facilitate aid flow into Gaza, but challenges remain in ensuring sufficient supplies reach those in need.
As efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release intensify, the international community waits for a response from Hamas. The proposed deal involves a temporary ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, signaling a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
