Türkiye to limit exports of goods to Israel until ceasefire in Gaza Strip

Türkiye will limit the export of certain goods to Israel until a ceasefire is declared in the Gaza Strip. About it writes Reuters agency citing a statement by the Turkish Ministry of Trade.

The restrictions will affect products from 54 different categories, including iron, marble, steel, cement, aluminum, bricks, fertilizers, construction equipment, aviation fuel and more. The ministry said in a statement that these measures were taken after Israel rejected Ankara’s request to participate in the airdrop of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The restrictions come into force on Tuesday.

“This decision will remain in force until Israel, in accordance with its obligations under international law, urgently declares a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and allows sufficient humanitarian aid to flow unimpeded into the Gaza Strip,” the statement said.

Although trade with Israel has fallen since October 7 last year, exports to Israel have increased every month in 2024, totaling $423.2 million in March, according to data released by Turkey’s Exporters’ Assembly.

Turkey condemned Israel’s operation in the Gaza Strip, which began after the radical Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 last year. The group is recognized as terrorist in the United States and the European Union.

As Reuters notes, Ankara continued to maintain commercial ties with Israel, which caused a negative reaction within the country. On Saturday, police detained dozens of protesters in Istanbul demanding an end to trade with Israel.

• On April 8, regular negotiations between Israel and Hamas took place in Cairo. The group reportedly refused to accept Israeli ceasefire proposals. The terms of the truce consisted of two main points: a ceasefire by the Israeli side in exchange for the release of hostages captured on October 7 last year.