Türkiye suspends all trade operations with Israel-UPDATED

In the second phase of restrictive measures, Türkiye suspended all export and import operations with Israel due to its "aggression against Palestine in violation of international law and human rights," the Turkish Trade Ministry announced late Thursday, APA reports citing Anadolu Agency.

"Since the first day, our country has rushed to the aid of the people of Gaza, delivered tens of thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to the region by ships and planes, especially food, health and medical aid materials, evacuated thousands of patients and stood by our Palestinian brothers and sisters in these difficult days," the ministry said.

It added: "However, the massacre, humanitarian catastrophe and physical destruction caused by Israel continued, and the Israeli government ignored international ceasefire efforts and prevented humanitarian aid."

Türkiye will strictly and decisively implement these new measures until the Israeli government allows the uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, it noted.

The ministry also said necessary efforts are being coordinated between the Turkish Trade Ministry and the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy to ensure that "our Palestinian brothers and sisters who are forced to live under occupation are not affected by these restrictions."

"The Republic of Türkiye will continue to support the deserving cause of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, as it has done until today," it added.

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Türkiye stopped all trade with Israel as of Thursday, according to two Turkish officials familiar with the matter, APA reports citing Bloomberg.

Ankara hasn’t formally announced the suspension and it wasn’t clear under what conditions trade would resume.

Trade between the countries was worth $6.8 billion in 2023, of which 76% was Turkish exports, according to the Turkish statistical institute.