Turkey has ceased all trade with Israel in response to the offensive in Gaza, highlighting the "worsening humanitarian tragedy" in the strip.
The Turkish Trade Ministry states that these measures will remain in effect until Israel permits an "uninterrupted and sufficient flow" of aid into Gaza.
Israel Katz, the Israeli foreign minister, has accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of behaving like a "dictator."
.@RTErdogan is breaking agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports. This is how a dictator behaves, disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, and ignoring international trade agreements. I have instructed the Director General of the…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 2, 2024
Katz added that he has further directed the foreign ministry to seek alternative trade options with Turkey, prioritizing local production and imports from other countries.
"Israel will emerge with a strong and daring economy," he continued.
Meanwhile, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat criticized Israel's "uncompromising attitude" towards a ceasefire and voiced concern over dire humanitarian conditions in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
"Turkey has suspended all exports and imports with Israel until a permanent ceasefire is established and aid into Gaza is allowed without any interruption," announced Bolat.
President Erdogan has intensified his criticism of Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7th.
He has frequently criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, likening him to Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Joseph Stalin, and labeling him "the butcher of Gaza."
The Turkish leader has been under increasing domestic political pressure for months from opponents and allies to take action against Israel.
Turkey has limited exports of 54 products to Israel, ranging from iron and steel to jet fuel, pesticides, and construction equipment; however, the trade ministry in Ankara revealed that the action is now being extended to all exports and imports, according to the BBC.
In 2023, Israel was Turkey's 13th largest export market, receiving 2.1% of Turkish exports, while Turkey was Israel's fifth largest source of imports.
Trade between the two countries was worth almost $7bn (£5.6bn) last year.
