Minister Bolat responds to criticism over exports to Israel: 'We have seen a major slander as if jet fuel were being sold'

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat spoke about current issues on a live TRT Haber broadcast.

In his speech, Minister Bolat made evaluations regarding the decision to restrict exports to Israel.

"TURKEY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE TWO COUNTRIES THAT HAS DELIVERED THE MOST AID"

Highlights from Bolat's statements are as follows:

"Unfortunately, no collective or individual embargo decision has been taken against Israel by the UN in the world. Without waiting for others, we managed to deliver exactly 42 thousand tons of aid supplies to Gaza. Turkey has been one of the two countries in the world that has delivered the most aid to Gaza.

"ISRAEL'S FAILURE TO RESPOND HAS EXHAUSTED OUR PATIENCE"

Turkey became the first country in the world to impose an embargo on Israel. The trade we conduct with Palestine takes place through Israeli ports. Israel's failure to respond to Turkey's aid efforts has exhausted our patience. Finally, our attempt to provide aid by air via Jordan was blocked.

In order to serve as a signal flare to the international community, we have imposed restrictions on exports from us to Israel, specifically on important items. While doing this, we did not care about any losses. What is important for us is the end of the oppression of the people of Gaza. The products we have identified are important products for Israel.

"BASIC FOODSTUFFS WERE EXCLUDED"

We have determined that the source of the false news circulating is Israeli intelligence. They want to discredit Turkey's support for Gaza. Efforts regarding Gaza have continued to this day. While these products were being selected, basic foodstuffs were excluded. Depending on developments, decisions may also be made regarding these products.

"A MAJOR SLANDER AS IF FUEL WERE BEING SOLD..."

These trades were transactions mainly carried out by private companies and foreign investment companies. The Ministry of Trade is not an institution that engages in trade. I want to say something very important here. Today, I saw with regret a topic about jet fuel. We have seen a major slander as if fuel were being sold to Israeli soldiers. To make such a slander is the greatest of slanders. Our citizens should not give credence to these slanders made by exploiting politics.

Some Western countries are trying to provide aid by air. One plane can drop 30 tons of aid. We have delivered 42 thousand tons of aid. On one side there is 42 thousand tons, on the other 30 tons. If the channels are open, we will do more.