Trade Minister emphasizes Türkiye-Israel trade being completely halted

Türkiye’s Minister of Trade, Omer Bolat, announced on social media that the country’s customs system with Israel is entirely closed. This declaration follows a live broadcast in which he responded to claims regarding ongoing trade with Israel.

Bolat reminded the public that the Turkish government has completely halted all import and export operations with Israel as of May 2, 2024. This suspension includes all products and will remain in effect until Israel declares a permanent ceasefire and allows a sufficient, uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

He stated that since this date, there have been no registered customs declarations for exports or imports between Türkiye and Israel.

“The customs system for trade with Israel is completely closed,” Bolat confirmed, noting the absence of shipments from Israel to Türkiye as well.

He highlighted that, under a mutual agreement made at the request of the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy, exports are only permitted if they are “designated for Palestine and verified as being for a Palestinian importer.”

Bolat explained that Türkiye accounts for approximately 25% of Palestine’s annual imports, either directly or indirectly. In 2024, exports to Palestine began being recorded under a new statistical code, distinguishing them from previous shipments registered under Israeli records.

The Türkiye-Palestine bilateral trade mechanism requires Palestinian importers to seek approval from the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy for each shipment.

Once the necessary agreements are confirmed electronically under the Ministry’s coordination, customs registration for the shipments can proceed.

“The export declarations must state Palestine as the destination,” Bolat noted, detailing that Palestinian importers first apply to the Palestinian National Economy Ministry, which, if approved, sends a confirmation letter to Türkiye’s electronic verification channel.

Only upon receiving this confirmation and completing the necessary assessments will customs authorities register the declarations.

Additionally, Bolat mentioned that imports from Palestine to Türkiye require approval from the Palestinian Ministry before the exports can be verified and documented.