Erdoğan on halting trade with Israel: “Aims to pressure Netanyahu government”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Ankara’s decision to completely halt trades with Israel aims to put further pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu government for ceasefire.

“Our sole aim here is to pressure the Netanyahu administration into a ceasefire. Once a ceasefire is declared, the goal will naturally be achieved,” Erdoğan said on May 3 at a meeting with a delegation from the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MÜSİAD) in Ankara.

Israel decision: “Will serve as an example to other countries”

Further addressing the economic aspect, he said “Türkiye’s move to completely sever trade ties with Israel will serve as an example to other countries dissatisfied with the current situation. We seek to live in peace, prosperity, and stability.”

Highlighting Türkiye’s humanitarian efforts, Erdoğan said, “Türkiye stands at the forefront globally with its humanitarian aid shipments approaching 50,000 tons to Gaza. Taking commercial measures to pressure Israel into a ceasefire, we have imposed export restrictions on 54 product groups initially. As of yesterday, we have halted all exports and imports with Israel, encompassing all products.”

Asserting Türkiye’s commitment to peace, Erdoğan emphasized, “We are not seeking hostility or conflict with any country in our region. As I have repeatedly stated, we do not wish to witness conflict in our geography. We want to live in peace, prosperity, and stability. With this decision, we are well aware of how the West may react towards us.”

White House: “Ankara’s decisions do not impair our relations”

The White House National Security Communications Advisor, John Kirby, addressed Türkiye’s decision in a press briefing via teleconference as T24 reports, stating, “Our position on Türkiye’s decision is clear, and any interpretation regarding Ankara’s choice belongs to Türkiye. Differing views with allies on certain matters are normal and do not impair our relations with a valued NATO ally like Türkiye.”

In response to questions regarding Erdoğan’s postponed visit to the United States, Kirby added that there were no immediate plans for President Erdoğan to visit the US.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on May 1 that Türkiye had decided to intervene in the Israeli genocide case filed by the South Africa to International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 34,596 Palestinians, including 14,685 children and 9,670 women, with 77,816 others injured, Gaza Health Ministry stated on May 2. Despite ongoing international efforts to mitigate the crisis, civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and educational institutions, continues to be targeted.

UN: “tragedy beyond words”

Martin Griffiths, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, warned that any Israeli military operation in Rafah, a critical lifeline for humanitarian aid in Gaza, would result in a “tragedy beyond words” and put hundreds of thousands at risk.

In light of escalating tensions, the United States is closely monitoring developments, with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirming that any response to a potential attack on Rafah would be “determined by President Biden” adding “The conditions are not favorable to any kind of operation.”

As Erdoğan’s decision to halt trade with Israel reverberates internationally, Tel Aviv has accused Ankara of violating agreements, further heightening tensions in the region.