Ministry announces! Trade with Israel has ended: 'The second phase has been initiated'

Turkey has halted all trade with Israel. The following statement was made by the Ministry of Trade regarding the matter:

"As is known, as a result of Israel's attacks on Palestine, which violate international law and human rights, more than 35,000 Palestinian civilians, 15,000 of whom were children, have lost their lives to date, and approximately 78,000 Palestinian citizens have been injured.

Since October 7, 2023, Turkey has made initiatives at the highest level to stop the conflicts, prevent humanitarian loss and physical destruction, ensure a permanent ceasefire, and implement a two-state solution, utilizing all tools of diplomacy.

Since the first day, our country has rushed to the aid of the people of Gaza, delivering tens of thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to the region via ships and planes, primarily food, health, and medical supplies, and has stood by our Palestinian brothers and sisters during these difficult days by evacuating thousands of patients.

RESTRICTIONS ON 54 PRODUCT GROUPS

However, the massacre, humanitarian catastrophe, and physical destruction caused by Israel have continued, and the Israeli Government has left international ceasefire efforts unanswered and obstructed humanitarian aid. Upon this, Turkey restricted the export of 54 product groups to Israel, effective as of April 9, 2024.

In this decision, it was emphasized that the restriction measures would remain in effect until Israel declares an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and allows for a sufficient and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid. Despite this, it is observed that the Israeli Government continues its aggressive stance and the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine is worsening.

THE SECOND PHASE HAS BEEN INITIATED

In this regard, the second phase of measures taken at the state level has been initiated, and export and import transactions with Israel have been halted, covering all products.

Turkey will strictly and decisively implement these new measures until the Israeli Government allows for an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

On the other hand, necessary coordination is being carried out between our Ministry of Trade and the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy to ensure that our Palestinian brothers and sisters, who are forced to live under occupation, are not affected by these restrictions.

The Republic of Turkey will continue to support the just cause of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, as it has done until now."

News Source: 12punto