Turkey Announces Trade Sanctions on Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

Turkey has implemented trade restrictions against Israel in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, targeting goods such as cement, steel, and iron construction materials. These sanctions were introduced following Turkey’s claim that Israel obstructed its efforts to deliver aid to Gaza via airdrop. The Turkish government has stated these measures will persist until Israel commits to an immediate ceasefire and ensures the uninterrupted passage of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The announcement, made via social media by the trade ministry, included a detailed list of 54 products affected by the export restrictions. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed that these retaliatory steps against Israel would be enacted progressively and promptly, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sanctioning the export limitations.

Turkey’s condemnation of Israel’s military actions in Gaza has been vocal, with President Erdogan denouncing Israel as a “terrorist state” and accusing it of committing genocide against the Palestinians. This stance has escalated tensions, leading to a cooling of the Turkish-Israeli relations that were on the mend following the reappointment of ambassadors in 2022.

Domestically, the Turkish government has faced criticism for not severing trade ties with Israel sooner. Recent protests in Istanbul against the government’s trade policies with Israel resulted in violent police crackdowns, sparking further controversy and leading to an internal investigation.

The geopolitical dynamics between Turkey and Israel have shifted dramatically due to the Gaza war, influencing domestic politics in Turkey, including the outcome of recent local elections where Erdogan’s party faced significant losses. The trade sanctions represent a critical juncture in Turkey-Israel relations, reflecting the broader regional complexities surrounding the Gaza conflict.