In response to the "worsening humanitarian tragedy" in the Palestinian territories, Turkey has announced a complete halt in all trade with Israel. The trade ministry of Turkey stated that "export and import transactions related to Israel have been stopped, covering all products." These measures will be strictly enforced until Israel allows an uninterrupted flow of sufficient humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz, has strongly criticized Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, accusing him of acting like a "dictator" following the announcement of the trade restrictions. The strained relations between the two former allies are expected to further deteriorate due to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

The trade ministry of Turkey initiated restrictions on exports to Israel earlier in April, blocking the export of iron and steel products along with construction equipment. In 2023, the two countries had a trade volume of $6.8 billion.

Katz alleges that Erdoğan's actions violate agreements by blocking Israeli imports and exports through the ports. He described the Turkish president's behavior as that of a dictator, disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businessmen, and ignoring international trade agreements. In response, Israel will seek to replace any lost products through local production and imports from other countries.

Last month, Katz had already criticized Erdoğan for publicly announcing his meeting with the head of Hamas's politburo, Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul.

The ongoing tensions between Turkey and Israel over the Gaza crisis are likely to further complicate their previously close alliance. The complete halt in trade further exacerbates the strained relations between the two countries.