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Turkey Halts Trade with Israel Over Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Turkey has decided to halt all trade with Israel in response to what it has called a “worsening humanitarian tragedy” in Gaza. The Turkish trade ministry announced that this measure will remain in effect until Israel allows for an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of aid into Gaza. This decision comes as a significant blow to the trade relationship between the two countries, which was valued at nearly $7 billion last year.
Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his actions, accusing him of behaving like a “dictator” and disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businesses. In response to Turkey’s trade suspension, Israel has instructed its foreign ministry to explore alternative trade options with a focus on local production and imports from other countries.
This is not the first time that Turkey and Israel have experienced strained relations. In 2010, Turkey severed diplomatic ties with Israel following the deaths of 10 pro-Palestinian Turkish activists in clashes with Israeli commandos. Although relations were later restored in 2016, tensions between the two countries have persisted, with both nations expelling each other’s top diplomats in 2018 over disputes related to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
President Erdogan has been vocal in his criticism of Israel, particularly in response to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza that was launched following an attack by Hamas. Erdogan likened Israel’s actions to those of Hitler, prompting a sharp rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Erdogan of genocide against the Kurds and oppression of journalists in Turkey.
The situation in Gaza has drawn international attention and criticism, with the United Nations warning of a looming humanitarian catastrophe. A UN-backed assessment revealed that 1.1 million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger, with the possibility of famine in northern Gaza by May. The White House announced plans to open a new pier to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza, but the UN stressed that land routes are essential for the majority of aid supplies.
Israel recently reopened the Erez Crossing into northern Gaza for aid convoys, following pressure from Western allies and appeals from international aid organizations. However, reports emerged that aid lorries from Jordan were attacked by Israeli settlers before reaching the crossing.
The UN has raised concerns about the potential use of starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza, with allegations that Israel is restricting aid deliveries.
