Türkiye Rejects Disinformation on Trade with Israel Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
Istanbul, Türkiye – The Turkish government has vehemently denied allegations of exporting goods worth $393.7 million to Israel in the first five months of 2025. The Presidency’s Directorate of Communications Center for Combating Disinformation (DMM) labeled the claims as “entirely false” and a deliberate attempt to manipulate public opinion and undermine the credibility of state institutions. This denial comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have caused significant casualties and displacement.
The DMM clarified that Türkiye suspended all trade activities with Israel, including exports, imports, and transit, on May 2, 2024. This comprehensive trade embargo was implemented in response to the escalating violence in Gaza following the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023. The Turkish government has consistently condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, characterizing them as genocide, and has expressed unwavering support for the Palestinian people. The trade suspension remains in effect, with the customs system remaining closed to Israeli goods and no customs declarations registered for trade with Israel.
The DMM acknowledged that Türkiye maintains active trade with Palestine under the “Türkiye-Palestine State Protocol,” which aims to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. This trade, amounting to approximately $797 million in 2024, is facilitated through Israeli-controlled ports due to the ongoing blockade of Gaza. The DMM emphasized that this trade with Palestine should not be misconstrued as trade with Israel. The directorate criticized the use of Israeli data to support the false allegations, characterizing it as a smear campaign designed to discredit Turkish institutions and mislead the public.
The controversy surrounding the alleged trade with Israel underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the deep divisions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Türkiye has emerged as a vocal critic of Israeli policy, and the trade embargo serves as a concrete manifestation of its stance. The DMM’s strong denial of the trade allegations and its condemnation of the disinformation campaign reflect the Turkish government’s determination to maintain its position on the Israel-Palestine conflict and its commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause.
The escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by a devastating death toll and widespread destruction, continues to draw international condemnation. According to local health authorities, over 57,200 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed since October 2023. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Furthermore, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, adding to the international legal scrutiny of its actions in Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza remains a deeply sensitive issue, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and international relations. Türkiye’s firm stance against Israel, coupled with its humanitarian support for Palestine, underscores its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and a just future for the Palestinian people. The disinformation campaign surrounding the alleged trade with Israel highlights the challenges in navigating the complex information landscape and the importance of relying on verified sources and official statements to understand the realities on the ground. The Turkish government’s proactive approach in combating disinformation serves as a crucial step in upholding transparency and accountability in the midst of this ongoing conflict.