In a bold move, Turkey has announced the imposition of trade restrictions on Israel along with the suspension of scheduled flights to Israel, effective immediately, citing the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip as the primary impetus behind the decision.
The Turkish trade ministry, in a statement released Tuesday, delineated a range of 54 products to be affected by these restrictions, notably including cement, steel, and iron construction materials.
Israel, in response, has issued a stern rebuke, pledging to compile an extensive list of Turkish goods to be banned from import. Additionally, Israeli authorities have indicated their intention to lobby in Washington and beyond for international sanctions against Turkey in retaliation for its actions.
The Turkish trade ministry has underscored that these measures will persist until Israel agrees to an immediate ceasefire and facilitates the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, underscoring the humanitarian dimension of the conflict.
Of particular concern is the impact these trade restrictions will have on Israel’s construction industry, already reeling from the effects of the conflict with Hamas. With a significant portion of iron construction materials and cement sourced from Turkey, Israeli builders now face the daunting task of seeking alternative suppliers, a move that is anticipated to result in higher costs for both consumers and businesses.
Complicating matters further are the legal and economic ramifications of these trade restrictions. Violating established free trade agreements between Turkey and Israel, these measures are likely to disrupt existing contracts between private entrepreneurs in both countries, potentially leading to protracted legal battles.
Moreover, beyond the immediate economic fallout, there is growing apprehension that this trade dispute could escalate further, with concerns raised about potential ramifications on regional oil activities and airspace regulations.
In Israel, industries ranging from clothing to household goods are bracing for the impact of these restrictions, with Turkish-manufactured products facing the prospect of being barred from import. From Pampers diapers to Unilever’s Dove line of products, the breadth of affected items underscores the far-reaching consequences of this trade dispute.
With tensions escalating and diplomatic reprisals looming, the standoff between Turkey and Israel underscores the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East, further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As both nations navigate the fallout from these trade restrictions, the humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to mount, underscoring the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
GET TO KNOW THE AUTHOR: Şafak Herdem