Turkey has suspended all trade with Israel.

In the massacres carried out by Israel in Gaza since October 7, 41,272 people have lost their lives. While Israel was carrying out one of the biggest massacres in Gaza's history, there was much talk about Turkey continuing its trade with Israel. The Ministry of Trade clarified the issue.

The Ministry of Trade reminded that on May 2, 2024, all exports and imports with Israel were suspended, covering all products. The statement noted that the news made in some press organs about this issue is not true, and stated, "In fact, our country has made the highest level of efforts since October 7, 2023, to stop Israel's inhumane attacks, prevent humanitarian loss and physical destruction, and to achieve a permanent ceasefire. We have continued to be the country that provides the most humanitarian support to Palestine, making use of all diplomatic means and making the most intense efforts. However, our government had already slowed down trade with Israel as a continuation of its policies to stop Israel's attacks, as can be seen from the monthly trade figures after October 7. Then, on April 9, 2024, we had stopped exports from Turkey to Israel in 1,019 different products in 54 groups. Finally, as a continuation of these steps that we have implemented gradually, our government completely stopped exports and imports with Israel on May 2, 2024, due to Israel's disregard for international ceasefire efforts and its obstruction of our humanitarian aid to Gaza."

"NO SHIPMENTS FROM ISRAEL TO TURKEY"

The Ministry's statement emphasized that the decision will be implemented resolutely until Israel declares an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. "There are no customs declarations registered for exports and imports from our country to Israel after May 2, 2024, and there are no shipments from Israel to our country. The customs system is closed for Israel. Export and import figures are transparently published every month by the Turkish Statistical Institute. On the other hand, shipments approved by the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy and intended for the needs in Palestinian territories are carried out under the control of the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy and confirmed to be destined for Palestine. It has been repeatedly announced by the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy that these goods are exclusively used by Palestine. It is also evident from our trade data that these goods are related to our trade with Palestine," it said.

"TURKEY IS DEFINITE AND RESOLUTE"

The statement reported that Turkey is the only country in the world that has suspended its trade against the persecution of Palestine. It stated:

"This resolute implementation of ours is being attempted to be used by Israel as a propaganda material against our country even in international organizations, and Turkey's suspension of trade is criticized even by Israel. While the situation is like this, all the news, statements, and information to the contrary are nothing but lies that are not related to the Palestinian cause or basic humanitarian values and should not be trusted. We are aware that the real purpose of these lies, which are sometimes put forward from domestic and foreign sources, is to hinder Turkey's general foreign trade and economic development. Turkey will implement these new measures definitively and resolutely until the Israeli Government declares an immediate and permanent ceasefire, allows a sufficient and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and reconstruction activities begin in Gaza. However, our country, which is always on the side of the Palestinian cause and oppressed geographies under persecution, will not allow its stance to be overshadowed by purposeful false news and black propaganda serving Israel."