Explained: The Deteriorating Relations Between Turkey And Israel Over Gaza Issue

Turkey and Israel have announced reciprocal trade barriers on Tuesday (9 March) amid worsening relations due to the conflict in Gaza as per a news report by The Indian Express.

Turkey, a vocal critic of Israel's military actions in Gaza, initially declared restrictions on exports of 54 types of products to Israel, effective immediately.

These products include aluminum, steel, construction materials, jet fuel, and chemical fertilisers. In response to Turkey's trade restrictions, Israel stated it was preparing to impose a ban on products from Turkey.

The announcement followed a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who revealed that Israel had prohibited Turkish military cargo planes from participating in an operation to airdrop humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Fidan pledged to take a series of measures against Israel until it agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and allows uninterrupted aid delivery.

The trade restrictions also coincide with mounting pressure on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government to cease trade with Israel.

Critics accuse the government of adopting double standards by condemning Israel while maintaining lucrative commercial ties.

Erdogan, whose ruling party has its roots in Turkey's Islamic movement, has been a vocal critic of Israel's treatment of Palestinians since assuming office in 2003.

He intensified his criticism following Israel's military actions in Gaza, denouncing them as war crimes bordering on genocide. Erdogan also defended the Hamas militant group, considered a terrorist organisation by Israel, the United States, and the European Union, as a liberation movement fighting for its land and people.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned Erdogan for prioritising support for Hamas over Turkey's economic interests. Katz urged U.S. organizations to disinvest in Turkey and refrain from importing Turkish goods.

According to the Turkish Statistics Office, Turkey's exports to Israel totaled $5.4 billion in 2023.

Relations between Turkey and Israel had normalised in 2022 with the appointment of ambassadors to each other's countries, following years of tension.