Turkey has taken a significant step in response to Israel‘s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, announcing a complete severance of economic and trade ties with Israel.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Israel has been “committing genocide in Gaza for the past two years, ignoring basic humanitarian values right before the world’s eyes”.
This move marks a substantial escalation in tensions between the two nations, which have been strained for years.
The decision to cut off trade ties comes after Turkiye demanded a permanent ceasefire and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In 2023, the two countries carried out $7 billion in trade.
Fidan emphasized that Turkiye will not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports or permit Israeli planes to enter its airspace. This development has significant implications for Israel, which has long considered Turkiye an important ally and trading partner.
The relationship between Israel and Turkiye has been deteriorating for years. In 2010, Israel’s deadly attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla killed 10 Turkish citizens, sparking widespread outrage in Turkiye.
More recently, tensions have escalated over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal in his criticism of Israel, likening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.
Erdogan’s strong stance on the issue reflects the deep-seated concerns of many Turks, who view Israel’s actions as a grave injustice.
The Turkish foreign minister’s comments also highlight the growing perception of Israel as a national security threat.
Resul Serdar noted that Turkiye is increasingly perceiving Israel’s expansionism and attacks across the Middle East as a cause for concern.
This sentiment is particularly evident in Syria, where Ankara has accused Israel of undermining the country’s recovery efforts after the devastating 14-year civil war.
Diplomats in Ankara believe that if Israel is not stopped, it may eventually lead to a direct military confrontation between the two countries.
Turkiye’s decision to sever ties with Israel sends a strong message about the need for accountability and action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As Akiva Eldar, an Israeli political analyst, noted, Turkiye’s move will likely make more Israelis feel isolated and like “pariahs”. With more countries and companies deciding to stop doing business with Israel, the impact of this decision will be closely watched.
The international community’s response to the Gaza conflict will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of Israel-Turkiye relations and the broader Middle East dynamics.