Turkey has imposed sweeping restrictions on Israel, announcing the closure of its ports to Israeli vessels and a ban on flights linked to Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
The move, revealed on August 29 by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, marks Ankara’s sharpest escalation in response to the conflict.
The restrictions apply to Israeli military and government aircraft, as well as cargo flights transporting weapons and ammunition.
Civilian flights not tied to defense activities are reportedly unaffected.
Turkish officials described the measures as a direct reaction to Israel’s continued strikes in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian situation there.
This decision is expected to affect regional trade routes and military logistics, given Turkey’s role as a key transit point between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Analysts say the ban underscores Ankara’s effort to pressure Israel while signaling support for Palestinians in Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated rapidly under sustained bombardment.
The announcement drew strong reactions internationally, with some viewing it as a symbolic challenge to Israel’s military operations, while others warned of further instability in the region.
The restrictions highlight growing divisions among countries over how to respond to the Gaza crisis, which has fueled protests across the Middle East and beyond.