TURKEY suspended all imports and exports to Israel on Thursday, citing the country’s ongoing military action in Gaza and vowed to continue to impose the measures until the Israeli government allows the flow of humanitarian aid to the region.

A Turkish Trade Ministry statement said: “Export and import transactions in relation to Israel have been stopped, covering all products.”

Turkish officials would co-ordinate with Palestinian authorities to minimise the impact on Palestinians.

The ministry described the step as the “second phase” of measures against Israel, saying that the steps would remain in force until Israel “allows an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”

Last month, Turkey announced that it was restricting exports of 54 types of products to Israel, including aluminium, steel, construction products and chemical fertilisers. 

Israel responded by also announcing trade barriers.

Earlier on Thursday, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz wrote on the X social media platform that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan “is breaking agreements by blocking ports for Israeli imports and exports.”

Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey had decided to join the legal case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice and would soon submit a formal request to intervene in the case.