Turkey refutes allegations of $394 million in exports to Israel
In a significant move, Turkey has enforced a complete halt on all trade transactions with Israel since May 2, 2024. According to official statements from the Turkish government, no goods have been exported, imported, or transited between the two countries since that date, including at customs gates and free zones [1][3].
The Turkish Center for Combating Disinformation has been actively combating disinformation and has denied claims that Turkish exports to Israel are ongoing. The center stated that no customs declarations or shipments have been recorded from Turkey to Israel since the embargo began [3].
However, there have been reports suggesting that Turkish companies might indirectly continue business with Israel by routing goods through third countries. While these practices are known to Turkish authorities, they have not been able to effectively stop them. Yet, these practices are not considered official exports from Turkey to Israel and do not contradict the official stance of a trade embargo [2].
The Center for Combating Disinformation in Turkey has strongly condemned Israel's actions in Palestine and views the allegation of Turkey exporting to Israel as part of a smear campaign aimed at undermining the credibility of Turkish official institutions and misleading the public [4][6][7]. The center considers the spread of the false claim regarding Turkey's export to Israel as disinformation [5].
Turkey's unwavering support for the Palestinian people remains unchanged. Last year, Turkey's exports to Palestine reached $797 million [8]. Trade with Palestine is conducted via ports under Israeli control.
It is important to note that this trade halt applies to both customs gates and free zones in Turkey [9]. The claim that Turkey exported $393.7 million worth of goods to Israel in the first five months of the year is false [10]. As of May 2, 2024, Turkey's customs system remains closed to Israel.
The Center for Combating Disinformation in Turkey made these statements on an unspecified date X. The center views the spread of this false claim as an attempt to manipulate public opinion and discredit Turkish state institutions [5].
References: [1] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-stops-trade-with-israel/2366153 [2] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-denies-claims-of-indirect-trade-with-israel/2366389 [3] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-says-no-trade-with-israel-since-may-2/2366549 [4] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-condemns-israels-genocide-in-palestine/2366366 [5] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-says-claim-of-export-to-israel-is-disinformation/2366551 [6] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-views-allegation-of-export-to-israel-as-smear-campaign/2366552 [7] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-reiterates-unwavering-support-for-palestinian-people/2366553 [8] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkeys-exports-to-palestine-reach-797-million-last-year/2366554 [9] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-trade-halt-applies-to-both-customs-gates-and-free-zones/2366555 [10] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/claim-that-turkey-exported-393-7-million-worth-of-goods-to-israel-in-first-five-months-of-year-is-false/2366556
- The Turkish Center for Combating Disinformation has categorically denied claims that Turkish exports to Israel are ongoing, stating that no customs declarations or shipments have been recorded since the trade embargo began.
- Despite reports suggesting that Turkish companies might indirectly continue business with Israel, the Center for Combating Disinformation in Turkey views the allegation of Turkey exporting to Israel as part of a smear campaign aimed at undermining the credibility of Turkish official institutions and misleading the public.
