ISTANBUL; Türkiye continues to enforce a suspension of all trade with Israel, a measure first announced in May 2024 in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Turkish Ministry of Trade declared that all exports and imports to and from Israel had been halted, citing the “worsening humanitarian tragedy” in the Palestinian territories.
The suspension forms part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to pressure Israel to ensure uninterrupted and sufficient humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Ankara has also blocked cooperation between NATO and Israel and applied to join a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, further intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Despite the embargo, Turkish exports to Palestinian territories have surged significantly. By October 2024, exports to Palestinian areas increased sixfold compared to the previous year, reaching $571.2 million. This reflects a redirection of trade flows to support Palestinian civilians while maintaining pressure on Israel. However, reports suggest that some Turkish exports may still reach Israel indirectly through Palestinian intermediaries, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the trade ban.
To address this, Türkiye’s government has instructed export associations to implement stricter checks and approvals for shipments, including coordination with Palestinian authorities, to ensure full compliance with the embargo.
On the diplomatic front, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has actively engaged with regional partners to address the situation. In August 2025, Fidan visited Egypt to discuss Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. During his visit, he emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to ending violence in Gaza, facilitating humanitarian aid, and opposing Israeli measures that undermine a two-state solution.
Türkiye’s decision has created a complex trade dynamic in the region. While the official suspension remains in effect, indirect trade routes, continued humanitarian support for Palestinian territories, and ongoing diplomatic efforts illustrate the multifaceted nature of the conflict’s economic and political impacts.
The Turkish government maintains that the suspension is necessary to uphold humanitarian principles and protect civilian lives, sending a strong message of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Observers say that the embargo also highlights Ankara’s willingness to leverage economic tools to influence Israel’s policies in Gaza, signaling a new phase in Türkiye-Israel relations.
