Turkey's 'Heartfelt' Gaza Chain Skips the Details on Turkish-Israeli Trade
Daily Sabah reports on a moving 'human chain of women' across Türkiye, expressing solidarity with Gaza against 'Israeli genocide.' It's a powerful image of grassroots protest that aims to project deep empathy. However, the report conveniently omits Türkiye's robust trade relationship with Israel. As of 2023, bilateral trade between Turkey and Israel amounted to approximately $6.8 billion, with key
exports from Turkey including steel, cement, and machinery—materials that are, ironically, crucial for rebuilding infrastructure Israel systematically destroys in Gaza, or even bolstering their industrial base. (Source: Turkish Statistical Institute, Central Bureau of Statistics Israel) One might wonder if the 'human chain by heart' extends to a 'supply chain by cargo ship.' The Turkish
government, under President Erdoğan, maintains diplomatic relations and significant economic ties with Israel, even amidst pronouncements supporting Palestine. It appears 'solidarity' can be both a deeply felt public sentiment and a carefully managed foreign policy that prioritizes economic continuity over the plight of those it claims to champion. How many human chains does it take to shame a
trade deal?