Türkiye refutes social media claims on maritime trade with Israel amid Global Sumud Flotilla incident

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Allegations circulating on some social media accounts suggesting that Turkish commercial vessels continued maritime trade with Israel during the Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla are misleading and part of a deliberate perception management campaign, Turkish authorities said.

According to an official statement, since May 2, 2024, Türkiye has completely halted all export, import, and transit trade with Israel, covering all products. No transactions destined for Israel have been registered in customs exit or export declarations since that date.

Additional measures have been implemented to enforce the trade embargo. Vessels flying the Israeli flag, owned by Israeli entities, or affiliated with Israel are prohibited from entering Turkish ports. Foreign-flagged vessels carrying military cargo bound for Israel are also barred. Only ships with declared aid or trade for Palestine, certified by the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy, are permitted entry, with a guarantee that no prohibited cargo destined for Israel is on board.

The statement clarified the situation regarding the seven vessels referenced in social media allegations: none were Turkish-flagged. Four vessels did not load cargo at Turkish ports; one discharged cargo previously loaded elsewhere in the country without facilitating trade with Israel; and the remaining two vessels, which proceeded to Haifa in violation of port departure declarations, have been banned from Turkish ports, with legal proceedings underway.

Türkiye emphasized that these social media claims are part of a campaign to undermine the country’s support for Palestine. Authorities reaffirmed that Türkiye will continue standing by the Palestinian people and maintain its determined stance.