Reuters. Turkey restricted the export of a wide range of products to Israel on Tuesday (April 9), following strong domestic backlash against the government over a lack of measures despite the war in Gaza.
The restrictions, which include curbs on exports of steel, fertilisers, iron, marble and jet fuel and span 54 different categories, mark Ankara's first significant measure against Israel after six months of war. Turkey said the measure would remain in place until a ceasefire is declared in Gaza.
Ankara has maintained commercial ties with Israel despite its strong rhetoric, prompting a domestic backlash. Israel said it would respond to the measures with its own restrictions on products from Turkey.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the trade restrictions were implemented after Israel rejected Turkey's request to drop aid 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.
On Saturday (April 6), police in Istanbul detained dozens of protestors demanding an end to trade with Israel. Erdogan's stance toward Israel and the conflict in Gaza was a key factor for some of his party's losses in March 31 local elections, with the Islamist New Welfare Party (Yeniden Refah) gaining support on the back of a more hardline stance on Gaza.
