Türkiye made significant sacrifice by severing trade ties with Israel, says law expert

International law expert Hakan Erkiner emphasized the importance of Norway, Spain and Ireland’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, maintaining: “Türkiye made a significant sacrifice by zeroing its trade with Israel. A solution can be achieved if other countries follow Türkiye’s lead.”

Despite the Netanyahu-led government in Israel persisting with actions in Gaza without heeding humanitarian cease-fire calls, the State of Palestine is garnering increased international recognition.

Norway, Spain and Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine took effect on May 28. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the decision, saying, “Spain recognizes a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, encompassing the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Unless accepted by all parties, we will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders.”

With this recognition, 150 out of 193 United Nations (U.N.) member states now recognize the State of Palestine.

Full UN Membership needed

While major EU countries like the U.K., Germany, and France maintain silence regarding Spain’s decision to recognize Palestine, Erkiner emphasized the necessity of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution for Palestine to attain full U.N. membership.

Erkiner underscored that Europe lacks an independent policy from the U.S., stating, “Spain, empowered by autonomy in energy, industry, culture, and defense, responded to public demand by implementing its national and sovereign policy. However, other European nations remain tethered to U.S. influence. Consequently, Israel, buoyed by unilateral U.S. support, persists in its acts of genocide.”

The legal order must change

Erkiner proposed that a shift in power dynamics could catalyze a change in the legal framework, commenting: “Those who oppose them (Israel) are unfairly branded as anti-Semitic. This is a pitiful form of propaganda. Any system founded on oppression is destined to crumble.”

Emphasizing the significance of countries recognizing Palestine, Erkiner asserted: “The necessary course of action is to emulate Türkiye’s example. Türkiye made a significant sacrifice by severing trade ties with Israel. However, Israel has since sought alternative sources for what it used to obtain from Turkey.”

“What actions did other nations take? They merely observed the carnage. If countries globally follow suit and halt trade with Israel, then imposing sanctions becomes plausible. The key to curbing Israel’s actions lies in isolating the United States. Nations must sever their trade relations with Israel. Following Türkiye’s lead can forge a pathway to resolution,” the law expert concluded.