Turkey suspends trade with Israel

Turkey has halted all exports and imports to and from “Israel”, citing two Turkish officials as reported by Bloomberg.

Turkish Trade Ministry announced on Thursday the decision marks the second phase of the measure, which Turkey launched in April by imposing a series of export restrictions in its trade with Israel.

“The Israeli government continues its aggressive attitude, and the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine is worsening, as per observed,” the official statement said.

“All export and import transactions concerning Israel have been halted, covering all products. Turkey will strictly and decisively implement the new measures until the Israeli government allows an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” the late-night statement added.

The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In 2023, the two parties’ combined trade volume was $6.8 billion.

Last month the Turkish Trade Ministry announced the restriction of exports of certain products to “Israel.” It underscored that the restriction will continue until “Israel” implements a cease-fire and allows “sufficient and uninterrupted flow” of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

At the time, the Israeli Foreign Minister accused Erdogan of prioritizing support for “Hamas over Turkey’s economic interests.