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Türkiye halts all trade with Israel citing violations of international law and human rights

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a joint statement to the media in Baghdad, Iraq April 22, 2024. AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

By Hanifa Adan | 03 May 2024

This decision follows an initial action on April 9, where Türkiye curtailed exports of 54 product categories to Israel.

In a significant escalation of its restrictive measures, Türkiye has halted all trade operations with Israel, citing its "aggression against Palestine in violation of international law and human rights," according to an announcement from the Turkish Trade Ministry.

"Export and import transactions related to Israel have been stopped, covering all products," the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

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This decision follows an initial action on April 9, where Türkiye curtailed exports of 54 product categories to Israel. The ministry emphasised that subsequent observations revealed a continued aggressive posture by Israel, alongside a deepening humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

The two countries had a trading volume of $6.8bn (Sh 918b) in 2023.

The ministry highlighted the severe toll of the conflict on Palestinian civilians, noting that nearly 35,000, including 15,000 children, have died, and around 78,000 have been injured due to Israeli military actions.

Since October 7, 2023, Türkiye has actively engaged in high-level diplomatic efforts aimed at ceasing hostilities and achieving a two-state solution, while also providing substantial humanitarian support to Gaza. "Since the first day, our country has rushed to the aid of the people of Gaza, delivered tens of thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to the region by ships and planes, especially food, health, and medical aid materials, evacuated thousands of patients and stood by our Palestinian brothers and sisters in these difficult days," the ministry recounted.

Despite these efforts, "the massacre, humanitarian catastrophe and physical destruction caused by Israel continued, and the Israeli government ignored international ceasefire efforts and prevented humanitarian aid," the ministry declared. In response, Türkiye vows to maintain its new trade restrictions until Israel permits "the uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza."

Efforts are also being coordinated with the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy to mitigate the impact of these trade restrictions on Palestinians living under occupation. The Turkish Trade Ministry reaffirmed its commitment, stating, "The Republic of Türkiye will continue to support the deserving cause of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, as it has done until today."