The announcement on August 29, 2025, was delivered with uncompromising language in Ankara's parliament, where Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underscored the depth of Türkiye's break with Israel.
'We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace,' Fidan declared in his address to the Grand National Assembly.
He accused Israel of 'committing genocide in Gaza for the past two years, ignoring basic humanitarian values right before the world's eyes.'
The measures extend a decision taken in May 2024, when Türkiye suspended direct trade with Israel, halting a commercial partnership worth nearly $7 billion the year before.
Friday's announcement closes off every remaining avenue of cooperation, from trade to transportation, and enforces strict new maritime rules requiring ships to prove they are not connected to Israel or carrying military cargo.
At the same time, Türkiye has positioned itself as a potential humanitarian actor. The presidency confirmed that air drops of aid to Gaza are prepared and awaiting coordination with Jordan.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has matched his government's policies with fierce criticism of Israel's leadership.
The fallout is expected to affect regional transport and trade flows, forcing airlines and shipping companies to reroute at greater cost.
Rania Umutoni
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/turkiye-closes-airspace-to-israel-severs-trade-ties-over-gaza-war
