Turkish government imposes export restrictions on Israel amid Gaza conflict following reports of increased exports since 7 October

ANKARA — In response to Israel’s refusal to allow aid into the Gaza Strip, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has announced export restrictions on products bound for Israel. The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The announcement also comes after reports that Turkish exports to Israel have increased since the beginning of the recent fighting between Israel and Hamas on 7 October.

The Turkish government has restricted exports across 54 categories to Israel, emphasizing its support for the Palestinian people.

The restricted export categories include aviation fuel, construction materials, steel, marble, ceramics, electrical and fiber optic cables, and various machinery and chemicals. Ankara cites Israel’s rejection of a joint aid effort with Jordan as the trigger for these sanctions.

The restrictions will remain in place until Tel Aviv agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and permits sufficient aid to reach Palestinians in need.

Turkish opposition figures argue that the government’s measures are insufficient and advocate for ending trade relations with Israel altogether.

Israel has retaliated by threatening to impose sanctions on Turkey in response to the export restrictions.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz has criticized Turkey’s decision, accusing Erdogan of prioritizing support for Hamas over the economic interests of the Turkish people. He stated that Israel will not tolerate such actions and will take measures to counter any harm to its economy resulting from Turkey’s sanctions.