Turkey rules out possibility of resuming trade with Israel

Last Updated on November 4, 2024 5:35 am

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat has strongly rejected claims of any trade activity with Israel. He said Ankara has suspended trade relations with Israel since May and this decision is still in effect.

Daily Sabah reported this in a report on Saturday (November 2).

In a statement posted on social media, Bolat said, “Our customs are completely closed to all trade activities with Israel. Turkey will stand by its decision until Tel Aviv agrees to a permanent ceasefire and allows the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. All trade activities, including exports and imports, to Israel will remain suspended.”

Meanwhile, Bolat added that Ankara allows trade with the Palestinian Authority in occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority confirmed that the products are Palestinian-based and exported by Palestinians.

Bolat noted that all products traded with the region have commercial interests with the Palestinians. These exports are officially registered.

According to the report, Palestine exports goods worth about $7.7 billion to Turkey, which is 25 percent of their total exports.

Bolat said that Palestinian exporters apply to the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy and complete the process in coordination with the Turkish Ministry of Trade.

The Turkish Trade Minister added that the process aims to meet the needs of the Palestinian people and highlight Turkey’s support for the Palestinians.

In addition to suspending trade with Israel, Turkish officials have been calling on all countries to impose an arms embargo on Israel.