Turkey Suspends Trade with Israel Amid Gaza Conflict: Diplomatic Strain Deepens
Turkey has announced the suspension of its commercial ties with Israel, following previous restrictions on exports to the country in April.
This decision comes in response to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, as reported by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, according to AFP.
"The suspension applies to both exports and imports related to Israel," stated the ministry, marking a significant escalation in the deterioration of relations between the two nations.
The ministry further emphasised that Turkey will rigorously enforce these measures until the Israeli government permits an uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz previously asserted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan violated agreements between Israel and Turkey by obstructing Israeli imports and exports in ports.
Expressing a desire to explore alternatives to trade with Turkey, focusing on local production and imports from other countries, the head of Israeli diplomacy highlighted a shift in strategy.
The Turkish Ministry of Trade did not clarify whether Ankara's decision impacted exports of Azerbaijani oil to Israel via the Turkish port of Ceyhan (south).
Analysts report that until recently, more than a third of Israel's oil needs were met through this Turkish port on the Mediterranean Sea.
In response to mounting public anger in Turkey against maintaining commercial relations with Israel amidst the Gaza Strip conflict, Turkey imposed restrictions in early April on exports to Israel, including steel, iron, and aluminium products.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
