In a significant escalation of its measures against Israel, Turkey has announced the complete cessation of trade relations and the closure of its airspace to Israeli flights. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made the announcements during an emergency session of the Turkish Grand National Assembly convened to address the situation in Gaza.
The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) held an emergency session on Tuesday, at the initiative of its Speaker, Numan Kurtulmuş, to discuss the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
During the session, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan briefed lawmakers on the latest developments and announced a series of new, stringent measures being taken by Ankara.
"We have completely cut our trade ties with Israel. We are not allowing Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports, and we are not allowing Israeli aircraft to enter our airspace," Fidan stated.
The Turkish Foreign Minister accused the Netanyahu government of "state terrorism" and of using hunger as a weapon in Gaza, stressing that Turkey categorically rejects any plan for the displacement of Palestinians from their lands. "Such a plan, regardless of who presents it, is null and void for us," he added.
From his side, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş described Israel's actions as "war crimes" and "genocide." He proposed the suspension of Israel's membership in international organizations, including the United Nations, until it complies with international law. "The Palestinian cause is a national cause for us," Kurtulmuş emphasized.
During his speech, Fidan also argued that the international system established after World War II has failed and is facing a "crisis of legitimacy." He linked the recent decisions by several Western countries to recognize a Palestinian state to Turkey's diplomatic efforts, reiterating that "the two-state solution is the only way forward."