Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the country’s recent decision to cease trade with Israel was aimed at pressuring the Israeli government to implement a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Erdogan made these remarks during a meeting with the board of directors of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association in Istanbul, as reported on the presidency’s website.
He further clarified that the government would collaborate with and seek input from the business community to address the repercussions of discontinuing trade with Israel.
The Turkish Trade Ministry announced on Thursday the suspension of all trade activities with Israel, citing the latter’s ongoing violence against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Erdogan also noted that this move could serve as a model for other nations concerned about the current situation in the region.