#Türkiyes #anger #stops #trade #Israel
Jakarta –
Government Turki confirmed it would not continue trading with Israeluntil a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian assistance is guaranteed in Gaza. Türkiye became Israel’s first major partner to stop trade with the Jewish country due to the war in Gaza.
“Israel’s uncompromising stance and the deteriorating situation in the southern Gaza region of Rafah — where Israel has threatened to launch new attacks, prompted Turkey to halt all exports and imports,” said Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, as quoted by and Al ArabiyaSaturday (4/5/2024).
“We decided to stop exports and imports to and from Israel until a permanent ceasefire is achieved (in Gaza) and humanitarian assistance is allowed without interruption,” Bolat stressed.
Earlier on Thursday (2/5) evening local time, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the cessation of all trade with Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Erdogan’s actions, saying they violated international trade agreements and amounted to “the behavior of a dictator.”
The Hamas group, which controls Gaza, praised Turkey’s decision as brave and supportive of Palestinian rights.
Hamas said Friday that Turkey’s suspension of trade was a “courageous move and reflects the Turkish people’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights and self-determination.”
Last month, Turki restricted exports of steel, fertilizer and jet fuel among 54 product categories due to Israel’s refusal to allow Ankara to take part in aid operations to Gaza.
(ita/ita)
