Turkey sanctions on Israel were announced on Tuesday. Turkey will impose trade restrictions on Israel in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision, which covers products such as cement, steel, and iron construction materials, comes after Israel blocked Turkey’s attempt to airdrop aid to Gaza.
Earlier, France had called for the restrictions on Israel.
The Turkish trade ministry stated on social media that these measures would remain in place until Israel declares an immediate ceasefire and allows the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The ministry attached a list of 54 products subject to export sanctions.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan vowed reprisals against Israel for blocking Turkey’s air force from delivering aid, promising that these actions would be implemented “step by step” and “without delay.” The export measures were approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s support for Palestine, stating, “We will continue our support until the bloodshed in Gaza stops and our Palestinian brothers reach a free Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.” His message was delivered on Tuesday for Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim feast that marks the end of Ramadan.
In response, Israel’s foreign ministry accused Turkey of unilaterally violating trade agreements and stated that it would take the necessary steps against Turkey.
Turkey has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with Erdogan branding Israel a “terrorist state” and accusing it of committing “genocide” against Palestinians. The conflict in Gaza has strained Turkish-Israeli relations, leading to the recall of Ankara’s envoy to Tel Aviv and calls for Israeli leaders to stand trial at the International Criminal Court.
The war in Gaza has also had domestic repercussions in Turkey, with criticism against the government for not cutting off trade with Israel sooner. A recent incident where Turkish police violently detained pro-Palestinian protesters has further exacerbated tensions.
Despite the criticism, Turkey’s trade restrictions against Israel are seen as a significant step, with the opposition CHP party welcoming the decision as “the voice of our people’s conscience.” However, they have called for a complete halt to trade with Israel.
Turkey’s exports to Israel totaled $5.43 billion last year, down from $7.03 billion in 2022, according to the Turkish Exporters’ Union and statistics agency Turkstat.