Turkey has denounced Israel for its fight against Gaza which was launched following Palestinian militant group Hamas’ Oct. 7 rampage.
The Turkish Capital, Ankara, called for an immediate ceasefire, supported steps to try Israel for genocide, and sent thousands of tons of aid to Gaza.
Turkey will also restrict exports of a wide range of products to Israel, including steel and jet fuel, until a ceasefire is declared in Gaza, the Turkish Trade Ministry said on Tuesday, in Ankara’s first significant measure against Israel after six months of war.
In a statement following The Turkish State House announcement that it would be taking measures after Israel rejected its request to take part in an aid airdrop, the ministry said the restrictions would take effect as of today, Tuesday.
However, Ankara also maintained commercial ties with Israel despite its strong rhetoric, prompting a domestic backlash.
Police detained dozens of protestors demanding an end to the trade with Israel in Istanbul on Saturday. Authorities suspended two police officers involved in the incident, as the government works to restore popular support after a huge opposition win in March 31 local elections.
Ankara said the measures would apply to the export of products from 54 different categories, including iron, marble, steel, cement, aluminum, brick, fertilizer, construction equipment and products, aviation fuel, and more.
“This decision will remain in place until Israel, under its obligations emanating from international law, urgently declares a ceasefire in Gaza and allows the unhindered flow of sufficient humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.”
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