Turkey has suspended all trade with Israel over its offensive in Gaza, citing the “worsening humanitarian tragedy” in the strip. The Turkish trade ministry said the measures would be in place until Israel allowed an “uninterrupted and sufficient flow” of aid into Gaza.
Trade between the two countries was worth almost $7bn (£5.6bn) last year.
Israel’s foreign minister accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of acting like a “dictator”.
Israel Katz said on X that Mr Erdogan was “disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen and ignoring international trade agreements”. He added that he had instructed the foreign ministry to find alternatives for trade with Turkey, with a focus on local production and imports from other countries.
The ministry also says it will also take action to reduce economic connections between Turkey and the Palestinian Authority and Gaza, the BBC understands.
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat criticised Israel’s “uncompromising attitude” towards a ceasefire, as well as the humanitarian situation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
In 1949, Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognise Israel. But relations have worsened in recent decades.
Credit: bbc.com
