Turkey cuts off 'all trade' with Israel for its refusal to allow aid into Gaza

Turkey has ceased its trade with Israel due to being barred from transporting aid into the war-stricken Gaza Strip, where thousands of civilians are facing a famine-like situation.

"Export and import transactions related to Israel have been stopped, covering all products," a statement released by Turkey’s foreign ministry read.

"Turkey will strictly and decisively implement these new measures until the Israeli Government allows an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” it stated. 

In response, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, labelling him a "dictator" and accusing him of violating agreements "by blocking Israel’s ports for imports and exports."

Katz asserted, “This is how a dictator behaves, disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, and ignoring international trade agreements.”

He maintained that the foreign ministry will work on enhancing local production and expanding imports from other countries as an alternative to Turkey’s restrictions.

Earlier in April, Ankara had imposed sanctions on Israel for refusing air-drop operations in the Gaza enclave. 

The two nations have robust economic ties, with a trade volume reaching $6.8 billion in 2023.