Turkey consider reshape trade relations with Israel contingent upon a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, according to a Turkish official
A Turkish economic official indicated that Turkey might consider resuming trade with Israel contingent upon the establishment of lasting peace in Gaza. This statement follows the recent truce agreement between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
Nail Olpak, the president of Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), announced on Tuesday that Turkey is prepared to resume trade relations with Israel, contingent upon the establishment of lasting peace in the Gaza region.
This development follows Turkey’s announcement in May regarding the cessation of diplomatic relations with Israel, attributing the decision to the alleged genocide in Gaza and its advocacy for the Palestinian cause.
In November, Erdogan announced that his administration had severed all diplomatic relations with Israel, citing accusations of genocide in Gaza and criticizing Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.
Erdogan has consistently called for accountability from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing that the ongoing supply of weapons to Israel will exacerbate the situation in Palestine and Lebanon.
Despite Turkey’s assertions of cutting diplomatic ties, trade statistics reveal a significant discrepancy.
Turkey’s exports to Israel have reportedly plummeted to zero, whereas exports to Palestine have seen a substantial increase. Furthermore, it has been noted that Turkish weapons were sold to Israel as recently as January 2024, amid escalating tensions in the region.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously claimed to have halted Turkey’s trade relations with Israel, a move that reportedly affected commerce valued at approximately $10 billion annually.
Investigations have revealed that Turkish vessels have reportedly persisted in delivering goods to Israel while claiming their destination as Port Said in Egypt. Notably, some of these ships allegedly deactivate their transponders to dock covertly at Israeli ports.
In a recent parliamentary session, Turkish lawmaker Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu raised questions regarding the government’s portrayal of its oil export activities, highlighting Turkey’s ongoing role as a significant oil supplier to Israel.
According to reports on Monday, ships allegedly pretended to turn off their tracking devices and indicated a planned route toward Italy. However, satellite imagery analysis indicated that the vessels, Nissos Delos and Seavigor, were in fact headed towards the ports of Haifa and Ashdod in the occupied territories, carrying shipments of oil, stated Gergerlioglu.
Earlier, it was disclosed that the Turkish government had been attempting to conceal its trade dealings with Israel. Reports indicate that oil originating from Azerbaijan was being transported through Turkey for sale to Israel, with Turkey benefiting financially from the arrangement.
Earlier this year, Turkey took a significant step by intervening in a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), aligning itself with Palestine. Ankara further advocated for the imposition of an arms embargo on Tel Aviv, reflecting its firm stance on the issue.
As these developments progress, the Turkish government’s position on trade relations with Israel remains a subject of scrutiny, particularly given its political discourse concerning the Palestinian issue.
