Turkey Closes Airspace, Ports to Israel Over Gaza War
Turkey has announced a full suspension of trade with Israel. All Turkish ports have been closed to Israeli ships, and Turkish-flagged vessels are banned from docking at Israeli ports. The decision reflects Ankara’s escalating response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Airspace Restrictions
In addition to trade measures, Turkey has shut its airspace to Israeli government aircraft and to planes carrying weapons or ammunition bound for Israel. Civilian passenger flights, however, appear to remain unaffected, with Israeli airlines still able to operate through Turkish skies for now.
Political Rationale
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the restrictions were imposed because of what Ankara described as Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza. He confirmed that Turkey has “completely cut off” its economic and transport ties with Israel. At the same time, Ankara has pledged to continue humanitarian efforts, including air-dropped aid, pending clearance from regional authorities.
