Turkey slaps export curbs on Israel until Gaza ceasefire

Turkey will restrict exports of a wide range of products to Israel, including steel and jet fuel, until a ceasefire is declared in Gaza, the Turkish Trade Ministry said yesterday, in Ankara’s first significant measure against Israel after six months of war.

Turkey has denounced Israel for its campaign on Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire, supported steps to try Israel for genocide, and sent thousands of tonnes of aid for Gazans.

However, Ankara also maintained commercial ties with Israel despite its strong rhetoric, prompting a domestic backlash.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday vowed reprisals against Israel for blocking Turkey’s air force from airdropping aid to Gaza, saying they would be implemented “step by step” and “without delay”.

The export measures were approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

What is affected

The restrictions would apply to the export of products from 54 categories, including iron, marble, steel, cement, aluminium, brick, fertiliser, construction equipment and products, aviation fuel, and more.

“This decision will remain in place until Israel, under its obligations emanating from international law, urgently declares a ceasefire in Gaza and allows the unhindered flow of sufficient humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said.

In response, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that Erdogan is sacrificing Turkey’s economic interests in order to support Hamas. He said that in response to Turkish restriction on exports, Israel will prepare its own trade restrictions on products from Turkey.

Police detained dozens of protestors demanding an end to the trade with Israel in Istanbul on Saturday. Authorities also suspended two police officers involved.