Turkey imposes export restrictions on Israel until Gaza ceasefire

Turkey restricted exports of a wide range of products to Israel on Tuesday until a ceasefire is declared in Gaza, in Ankara’s first significant measure against Israel after six months of war.

Israel said it would respond to the measures, which include curbs on exports of steel, fertilizer and jet fuel, with its own restrictions on products from Turkey.

Turkey has denounced Israel for its campaign on Gaza, which was launched following Palestinian militant group Hamas’ Oct. 7 rampage. Ankara has called for an immediate ceasefire, supported steps to try Israel for genocide, and sent thousands of tons of aid for Gazans.

However, Ankara also maintained commercial ties with Israel despite its strong rhetoric, prompting a domestic backlash. The trade restrictions, which come into force on Tuesday, follow Israel’s rejection of a Turkish request to take part in an aid air-drop operation into Gaza.

In recent weeks, Erdogan has faced growing criticism over his government’s continuing commercial ties to Israel, prompting some anti-government protests and denting popular support.