Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, and Israel has responded by halting all trade with Turkey. This move comes after Turkey imposed export restrictions on certain goods in trade with Israel earlier this year.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed anger over the decision, accusing Erdogan of breaking agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports. However, Erdogan defended his actions, saying that Israel was violating international law and human rights in Gaza.
In addition to halting trade, Turkey announced its intention to join South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel. This legal action stems from allegations of genocide committed during the Gaza war, which Israel denies, citing the right to self-defense against attacks by Hamas and other extremist organizations. Trade between Israel and Turkey was valued at $6.8 billion in 2023, with the majority being Turkish exports.
Despite the ongoing tensions, both countries remain committed to finding new trade partners and strengthening their economies. The situation continues to evolve, with both countries taking measures to assert their positions on the conflict in Gaza.
