ANKARA: In a sweeping move on Friday, Turkiye announced the suspension of all commercial and economic ties with Israel and closed its airspace to Israeli aircraft, citing Tel Aviv’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and regional policies.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told parliament that atrocities in Gaza had become “one of the darkest chapters in human history”, warning that the conflict could ignite the entire Middle East.
He accused Israel of deliberately making Gaza uninhabitable to force mass displacement of Palestinians, describing their resistance as an enduring symbol of global struggle against oppression.
Mr Fidan also criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government for actions against Syria’s territorial integrity, vowing that Turkiye would not permit policies aimed at preventing the emergence of a “new and strong Syria.”
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The announcement came as Israeli officials have openly floated expansionist plans under the idea of a “Greater Israel” encompassing not only Palestinian territories but parts of Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The move represents Ankara’s strongest response yet to the Gaza war, setting it apart from mediation efforts led by France and Saudi Arabia that continue to advocate a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, Israel has pressed ahead with construction of settlements in occupied Palestinian territories despite international calls for restraint.
