Turkey has recently implemented restrictions on exports to Israel, following Israel's opposition to Turkish aid drops in the Gaza Strip.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has faced criticism for maintaining trade ties amidst this situation.
Turkey Imposes Trade Restrictions on Israel After Allegedly Denying Gaza Aid Airdrops
The Trade Ministry of Turkey has recently implemented a ban on the export of 54 different items. These items include products that have potential military applications, and construction materials such as cement, steel, iron, and aluminum.
The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, announced on Monday that Israel has declined the Turkish Air Force's request to deliver aid packages to Gaza through parachuting.
According to Bloomberg, Fidan also expressed the intention to implement a range of actions in response to Israel's decision.
Following widespread protests by a large number of demonstrators, President Erdogan has faced criticism for his decision to continue trade with Israel despite its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Reuters reported.
A week following Erdogan's significant loss in local elections, demonstrations arose with criticism from conservative voters who backed an opposing Islamist party that adopted a more confrontational stance towards Israel.
Turkey Demands Gaza Ceasefire Before Easing Restrictions
The Trade Ministry stated that this decision will continue until there is an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and a consistent flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The decision aligns with the Manufacturers Association of Israel's goal of decreasing reliance on Turkish goods.
According to data from the Turkish Statistics Office, Turkey's exports to Israel have experienced a significant decline of 28% on an annual basis, amounting to $1.9 billion during the first five months of the ongoing conflict that started in October.
Manufactured goods, including construction materials, make up the largest portion of the $714 million worth of goods shipped in the first two months of the year.
Israel has alleged that Turkey is providing support to Hamas, leading to ongoing disagreements between the two countries regarding the status of Palestinian territories.
Turkey, as a member of NATO, holds a different stance than the US and the European Union when it comes to the classification of Hamas as a terrorist organization. Erdogan has referred to the group's militants as "freedom fighters," but he has not completely severed ties with Israel.
The war has disrupted a potential improvement in relations between Turkey and Israel after years of strained ties.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated significantly following a tragic incident in 2010, when an Israeli raid on a Turkish flotilla bound for Gaza resulted in loss of life.
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