The Turkish Ministry of Trade declared a halt of all exports and imports to Israel beginning yesterday, Thursday.

The decision was linked to the “worsening humanitarian crisis” in the Palestinian territory. The ministry declared in a press release that all export and import operations involving Israel, including all items, have been blocked.

Turkey reiterated that it will strictly and firmly impose these limitations until the Israeli government assures a continuous and substantial supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

According to the announcement, the two sides’ trade volume will reach $6.8 billion in 2023. Turkey placed trade sanctions on Israel last month in response to Israel’s refusal to allow Turkey to participate in airdrop operations to provide aid to Gaza.