Turkey has announced trade restrictions against Israel starting from 8th April in response to the conflict in Gaza, targeting various goods such as cement, steel, iron construction materials, and others. This decision follows Israel's prevention of Turkey's aid drop to Gaza. The trade ministry stated that these restrictions will continue until Israel declares an immediate ceasefire and ensures the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. A list of 54 products subject to export restrictions was provided alongside this announcement. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pledged retaliation against Israel for obstructing Turkey's attempt to airdrop aid to Gaza, promising to implement these reprisals gradually and promptly. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved these export measures. 

Erdogan conveyed in a statement on 8th April during Eid al-Fitr that Turkey will maintain its support until the violence in Gaza ceases, and until the Palestinian people achieve a free state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel's foreign ministry responded by accusing Turkey of violating trade agreements unilaterally and declared its intention to take appropriate actions in response. Turkey has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Israel's military operations in Gaza, with Erdogan condemning Israel as a "terrorist state." 

Erdogan has accused Israel of committing "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza following a significant attack by Hamas militants on October 7. According to Israeli reports, this assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,170 individuals, primarily civilians. Conversely, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry claims that Israel's military campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 33,207 people. Erdogan has expressed support for Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union, referring to it as "a liberation group." 

Turkey's recent trade measures against Israel come in the wake of domestic pressure on the government to sever trade ties earlier. Over the weekend, Turkish police forcefully detained a small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Istanbul's central Taksim square, who were calling for an end to trade relations with Israel. Footage from the incident showed a police officer striking a protester, prompting criticism from the opposition CHP party. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel condemned the police action as a violation of freedom of expression, assembly, and the constitution. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced an investigation into the incident, leading to the suspension of two police officers. 

The conflict in Gaza has halted the gradual improvement in Turkish-Israeli relations, which had seen the reappointment of ambassadors in 2022. Erdogan has recalled Turkey's ambassador to Tel Aviv and advocated for Israeli military and political leaders to be tried at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Prior to local elections on March 31, Erdogan frequently criticized Israel during his campaign, despite his party suffering significant losses, particularly to the Islam-based Yeniden Refah (New Welfare) Party. 

Image source: L’Orient