Erdogan HaltsTradewith Israel, Accuses West of Favoring Jewish State

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that Turkey will halt trade with Israel, citing the need to force Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. Erdogan stated, "We have taken some measures to force Israel to agree to a ceasefire and increase the amount of humanitarian aid to enter" Gaza. This move is the latest indication of deteriorating relations between Turkey and Israel.

Why this matters: The escalating tensions between Turkey and Israel have significant implications for regional stability and global diplomacy. As a key player in the Middle East, Turkey's actions could influence the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and impact international relations.

Turkey, one of the few Muslim-majority nations to recognize Israel, had already restricted exports to Israel in April, covering 54 products. The Gaza Strip is currently facing a humanitarian crisis due to Israel's war against Hamas, which has resulted in the deaths of over 34,600 people, mostly women and children.

Erdogan, an outspoken advocate of the Palestinian cause, has been a vocal critic of Israel's offensive in Gaza, accusing the government of "state terrorism" and branding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the "butcher of Gaza". He also accused the West of providing unconditional military and diplomatic support to Israel, stating that Turkey's goal is to "force the Netanyahu government... to a ceasefire".

The Turkish-Israeli trade volume amounts to $9.5 billion, which Erdogan has now "closed". Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has accused Erdogan of breaking agreements between the two countries, but Erdogan remains resolute in his decision.

"We do not run after hostility or conflict in our region... We do not want to see conflict, blood or tears in our geography," Erdogan stated. He emphasized, "We know now that we did the right thing." Over 1,170 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the initial Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 that sparked the current conflict.

The halt in trade, aimed at forcing a truce, between Turkey and Israel marks a significant escalation in Erdogan's condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza. With the death toll mounting and no end to the violence in sight, Erdogan's move aims to pressure Israel and the West to bring about a swift resolution to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip.

Key Takeaways

• Turkey halts trade with Israel to force ceasefire in Gaza.
• Turkey's move aims to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• Turkish-Israeli trade volume amounts to $9.5 billion.
• Erdogan accuses Israel of "state terrorism" in Gaza.
• Over 34,600 people, mostly women and children, have died in Gaza conflict.