ANKARA, TÜRKİYE – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced today that Turkiye has completely severed all economic and trade relations with Israel and has closed its airspace to Israeli aircraft. This decisive action is a direct and permanent protest against Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which Minister Fidan described as an act of “genocide” that is “ignoring basic humanitarian values right before the world’s eyes.”
The move marks a significant escalation in tensions and comes after years of increasingly strained relations. Turkiye had previously cut off direct trade ties in May of last year, demanding a permanent ceasefire and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In 2023, the two countries had carried out approximately $7 billion in trade. Speaking at an extraordinary parliamentary session, Minister Fidan underscored the complete nature of the break, stating, “We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace.”
Ankara’s firm stance is not only a response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also a reflection of its growing security concerns. Analysts note that Turkiye is increasingly perceiving Israel as a national security threat due to its expansionist policies and military actions across the wider Middle East. This includes Ankara’s accusations that Israel has been wilfully undermining recovery efforts in Syria, raising fears of a potential direct military confrontation between the two nations.
The action from Ankara is poised to further isolate Israel on the international stage, contributing to a sense of being “more and more isolated and [like] pariahs” among Israelis, as noted by Israeli political analyst Akiva Eldar. Eldar highlighted that Turkiye’s role as a long-time ally and important trade partner makes its move particularly impactful, leading to more countries and companies suspending business with Israel.
Turkiye’s history with Israel has been marked by a number of tense episodes, including the 2010 deadly attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. More recently, Turkish authorities denied permission for Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s plane to enter Turkiye’s airspace last year, a decision President Erdogan defended by stating, “As Turkiye, we have to take a stance on certain issues.”
Turkiye remains steadfast in its call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected population.
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