Turkish Export Restrictions on Israel Following Aid Denial for Gaza

Turkey recently announced restrictions on exports to Israel following accusations from the Turkish foreign minister that Israel refused to allow aid to be airdropped to Gaza. The Turkish Ministry of Trade expressed its condemnation of Israel's actions, which have hindered access to essential food, medical care, and supplies for the people of Gaza. As a response, Turkey has implemented a ban on the export of 54 products, including items that could potentially be used for military purposes or construction.

The ministry stated that this decision will continue until Israel declares an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and allows a sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Smoke rises during an Israeli ground operation in Khan Younis, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from a tent camp sheltering displaced Palestinians in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip March 14, 2024. REUTERS/Bassam Masoud

Smoke can be seen rising in Khan Younis during an Israeli ground operation. This is happening amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. The view is from a tent camp that is currently providing shelter for displaced Palestinians in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip. The photo was taken on March 14, 2024, by Bassam Masoud for Reuters.

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Steel, aluminum, cement, and electrical cables are some of the items listed in the statement.

The Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, announced at a press conference in Ankara on Monday that Turkey would be implementing new measures against Israel. This decision came after Israel refused Turkey's request to participate in a Jordanian aid operation. Fidan expressed disappointment, stating that their request was accepted by Jordan but rejected by Israel.

He continued to express his frustration, stating that Israel should not prevent the airlift of aid to hungry Gazans.

CNN reached out to Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, the agency responsible for controlling access to Gaza, but has not received a response regarding Turkey's accusations.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for prioritizing support for Hamas over the economic well-being of the people of Turkey. In response, Katz instructed Israel's foreign ministry to compile a list of Turkish products to ban. Israel will also seek support from the United States and other allies to halt investments in Turkey and stop importing Turkish products. Additionally, Israel plans to urge the US Congress to impose sanctions on Turkey.

Katz stated that Israel will not tolerate violence or blackmail and will speak out against any unilateral breach of trade agreements.

Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories noted that Turkey, along with the United Arab Emirates, is the largest contributor of aid to Gaza.

The Republican People's Party (CHP), Turkey's main opposition party, believes that the recently imposed export restrictions are not sufficient. In a statement released on Tuesday, the CHP criticized the Turkish government for maintaining trade relations with Israel, despite publicly denouncing its actions in Gaza.

"We urge the government to cease all business dealings with a country that backs attacks on Gaza and ignores acts of injustice and oppression," stated Volkan Demir, the CHP's deputy chairman of trade policies.

Lauren Izso in Tel Aviv and Anna Cooban in London contributed to this article.

Editor's P/S:

The escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza has prompted Turkey to impose export restrictions on Israel, highlighting the complex and tense relations between the two nations. Turkey's ban on 54 products, including construction and military-related items, is a response to Israel's alleged refusal to allow aid to reach Gaza. The move reflects Turkey's condemnation of Israel's actions and its commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause.

The situation further escalated with Israel's Foreign Minister criticizing Turkey's support for Hamas and announcing measures to ban Turkish products and seek sanctions against Turkey. This tit-for-tat response underscores the deep divisions between the two countries, with Israel viewing Turkey's actions as a breach of trade agreements and Turkey seeing Israel's actions in Gaza as unjust and inhumane. The ongoing conflict and the resulting political and economic tensions between Israel and Turkey highlight the challenges of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for international efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.