Türkiye announces trade restrictions on Israel amid cease-fire calls
Türkiye announces restrictions on the export of certain products to Israel until Israel agrees to a cease-fire and allows for a continuous and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip
Türkiye has announced restrictions on the export of specific products to Israel until Israel implements a cease-fire and allows for a consistent flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, the Trade Ministry announced Tuesday.
“Israel is openly violating international law and disregarding numerous calls from the international community for a cease-fire and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance,” the ministry stated.
Citing resolutions from the United Nations Security Council, General Assembly, and Human Rights Council, as well as recent interim rulings from the International Court of Justice in The Hague regarding South Africa’s case alleging violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention, the ministry emphasized that these actions “require Israel to agree to a cease-fire.”
In cooperation with the U.N., Tel Aviv is required to “permit the continuous provision of essential humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, including the necessary medical supplies and health services,” the ministry added.
“As an initial step, Türkiye has decided to limit the export of products to Israel within specified product groups outlined in the annex, effective April 9, 2024. This decision’s requirements will be promptly enforced,” the ministry announced. The listed products include various types of aluminum and steel products, paint, electric cables, construction materials, fuel, and others.
Türkiye halts sale of military-use products
The ministry stated, “This decision will be in effect until Israel, in line with its obligations under international law, announces an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and allows for a sufficient and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.” It also highlighted that Türkiye has refrained from selling any products or services that could be used for military purposes to Israel for quite some time.
“Given the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, we call on all members of the international community to play their part in ensuring Israel complies with its international legal obligations,” the ministry reiterated.
“We, as the state and people of the Republic of Türkiye, will continue to stand by and support Palestine and its people, as we have always done.”
Since an Oct. 7 cross-border incursion by the Palestinian group Hamas, Israel has reportedly caused the deaths of over 33,000 Palestinians, with 1,200 lives claimed. As a result, much of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed, and 1.9 million residents have been forcibly displaced, leaving them vulnerable to disease and famine.
