Turkey imposes total ban on exports to Israel amid Gaza violence

ANKARA: Turkey imposed a total ban on exports to Israel in response to the escalating violence in Gaza on Tuesday. Turkey announced the ban in response to Israel’s refusal to allow aid drops over Gaza during the conflict.

The Turkish Trade Ministry stated that this decision will remain until Israel declares a ceasefire and allows uninterrupted humanitarian aid flow into Gaza. The banned items include iron, jet fuel, construction equipment, steel, cement, and chemicals.

Read more: Hamas says Israeli proposal fails to meet Palestinian demands, but is under review

Israel Foreign Minister criticised Turkey’s move, accusing the Turkish President Erdogan of prioritising “support for Hamas” over the economic interests of the Turkish people. The Turkish president in response stated that his country supported Palestine and Turkey was committed to sending humanitarian aid to the region.

According to reports, several sectors would be affected by the export ban, particularly due to Turkey’s dominance in cement and metal industries.

The latest ban reflects a mounting global condemnation of Israel’s aggression against Palestinians, even from its steadfast allies such as the United States.

Airlifts of aid

Meanwhile, nine countries airdropped humanitarian aid into Gaza. The coordinated initiative aimed to alleviate the suffering and mass starvation of Palestinians in the Gaza strip.

The countries include the United Kingdom (UK), Egypt, France, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Germany and the US.

However, Israel halted the delivery of half of the aid intended for Gaza.

Previously, Israeli strikes killed seven aid workers of World Central Kitchen (WCK) delivering food to Palestinians in Gaza. WCK founder Jose Andres claimed that the Israeli attack targeted his workers “systematically”.

Read more: World Central Kitchen chef says Israel targeted his aid workers ‘systematically, car by car’

Zeitoun bombing by Israel kills 153 Palestinians

At least 153 Palestinians were killed in Zeitoun in the latest bombing by Israel forces. Despite international pressure for a ceasefire, Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu is preparing for an invasion of Rafah.

Mounting casualties

The number of Palestinian casualties rises each day. According to Gaza health ministry, 33,360 Palestinians have lost their lives since October 2023 due to Israel aggression.