Türkiye has moved to cut off maritime and commercial ties completely with Israel, and its response to the ongoing war in Gaza has escalated. Foreign Minister Hakan Vian announced on Friday that Turkish ports are now closed in front of Israeli ships, and Turkish ships are prevented from Israeli ports, and additional restrictions are placed on the aircraft heading to the Turkish airspace or transit.
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Speaking during an extraordinary session of Parliament, Bayan said that the measures reflect Ankara’s increasing opposition to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which Türkiye condemned as a collective genocide – an accusation that Israel denies.
“We have completely cut our trade with Israel. We have closed our ports to Israeli ships and we do not allow Turkish ships to go to the ports of Israel,” Viaan said. “We do not allow container ships that carry weapons and ammunition to Israel to enter our ports, and aircraft to go to the airspace.”
The sources told Reuters last week that the Turkish ports authorities have already begun to claim shipping agents in particular that ships are not linked to Israel and do not have dangerous or military shipments linked to Israeli ports. According to what was reported, Turkish ships that were implemented on the cohesion in Israel were banned as part of the same measures.
Fidan also revealed that Türkiye has a presidential approval to conduct air aid in Gaza, pending clearance from Jordan. He said: “Our planes are ready, as soon as Jordan gives its approval, we will be in a situation that allows us to go.”
The Israeli government has not yet commented on the restrictions of Ankara’s overwhelming trade.
