The Turkish government has announced that it will suspend all trade relations with Israel due to the Israeli blockade of Gaza. This decision is being seen as a response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and has put pressure on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan domestically.
Erdogan’s confrontational approach towards Israel has led to this decision, which will impact both countries economically. The suspension of trade means that Turkey will no longer export goods to Israel or import them from the country. This move could have significant consequences for Turkish exporters and importers, as well as for the relationship between the two countries.
The decision to suspend trade also reflects Turkey’s growing relationship with Hamas, as evidenced by Erdogan’s recent meeting with Ismail Haniya in Istanbul. This move has raised speculation about whether Turkey may become a new base for Hamas, further straining relations with Israel. Additionally, Turkey has announced its participation in South Africa’s genocide lawsuit at the International Court of Justice, further damaging its relationships with Western allies.
The suspension of trade between Turkey and Israel is unprecedented in their history of tension, despite efforts towards normalization after a decade of crisis. This decision could jeopardize Erdogan’s economic interests, as well as his relationships with key allies such as the US and EU. It also damages Turkey’s long-term relations with Israel and its standing among Western nations.
Despite these consequences, Erdogan remains an important partner in certain areas where there are common interests, such as migration policy and foreign affairs. However, his actions towards Israel may continue to strain relations between the two countries and potentially lead to further economic losses for both nations.
Overall, the decision to suspend trade with Israel highlights how complex international relations can be and how even small actions can have far-reaching implications on diplomatic and economic fronts.
