Türkiye demands ceasefire, humanitarian access before resuming trade with Israel

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said that Türkiye is prepared to reconsider its decision to halt trade with Israel, but only if Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensures unrestricted access for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.

Fidan made these remarks during a meeting of the Arab League Council of Foreign Ministers in Cairo, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

"Türkiye has imposed trade restrictions on Israel. We will not resume trade until Israel agrees to a ceasefire and guarantees unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza," he stated.  

On May 2, 2024, the Turkish Ministry of Trade announced an immediate and total ban on all exports and imports with Israel. This decision follows a partial export restriction introduced on April 9, 2024, which targeted 54 categories of goods from Israel, including electric panels, aluminum wires, cement, sulfur, ceramics, marble, varnishes, and mineral fertilizers. This move represents the first time Turkey has enacted such extensive trade sanctions against another nation due to political issues unrelated to Turkey's foreign policy or border security.