Türkiye’s decision to halt trade with Israel inspires Muslim nations to follow suit

Türkiye’s recent decision to suspend trade with Israel has resonated throughout the Muslim world. Five Muslim-majority countries are reportedly considering banning ships carrying cargo to or from Israeli ports from docking on their shores.

The news, first reported by Yeni Şafak, suggests that Türkiye’s bold move has become a model for other Muslim nations. Discussions between the leaders took place at the 15th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.

Türkiye, which has taken numerous steps to stop the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to the region, has become a source of inspiration for other countries.

The prospect of similar sanctions to Türkiye has unsettled Israel and led many Muslim-majority countries to consider similar measures. These nations are considering banning ships carrying cargo to or from Israeli ports from docking on their shores.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which includes 57 member states including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt, all of which border Israel, plays a crucial role in regional trade. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran, with strategic locations along the Persian Gulf coasts, serve as important transit points for goods destined for Israel.

Recent measures against Israeli trade have attracted the attention of the international community, particularly in the United States and Europe. Türkiye’s non-violent economic sanctions have sparked conversations and discussions and even inspired African nations to consider similar measures.

Last month, Türkiye stopped selling over 53 product categories to Israel, after which all trade with Israel, both exports and imports, was suspended. These decisive measures by Türkiye are an example for other countries to follow.

The ongoing conflict in the region has disrupted trade routes, particularly through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Merchant ships unable to transit the Suez Canal had to reroute their route around the southern tip of Africa, significantly increasing both time and energy costs. This shift has highlighted the importance of ports along Africa’s coasts.

As ships are forced to circumnavigate the southern tip of the continent, they must dock at ports on both the east and west coasts of Africa. Closing these ports to ships destined for Israel or carrying cargo to Israel could have a significant impact on both the Israeli government and its supporters.

Israel’s attempts to deepen its ties with Africa in recent years have suffered setbacks because of its actions in Gaza. The diplomatic fallout from Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights and the United Nations General Assembly’s refusal to recognize the US decision on Jerusalem have further exacerbated anti-Israel sentiment in Africa.

The escalating violence in Gaza has intensified resistance to Israel across Africa and may have led to the closure of ports in many Muslim-majority countries. As a result, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s efforts to strengthen ties with Africa may face further challenges in the future.