Turkey halts trade with Israel over 'humanitarian tragedy' in Gaza
Ankara: Turkey has announced the suspension of all trade with Israel in response to the ongoing offensive in Gaza. Citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region, the Turkish trade ministry stated that trade will remain halted until Israel permits an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of aid into Gaza. Last year, trade between the two countries amounted to nearly $7 billion.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accusing him of disregarding the interests of the Turkish people and businesses and ignoring international trade agreements. In response, Israel has pledged to seek alternative trade partners and reduce economic ties with Turkey, including those with the Palestinian Authority and Gaza.
Turkey's Trade Minister Omer Bolat condemned Israel's uncompromising stance on a ceasefire and the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He emphasized that Turkey's trade suspension is contingent upon the establishment of a permanent ceasefire and uninterrupted aid flow into Gaza.
The decision reflects the escalating tensions between Turkey and Israel, whose relations have deteriorated over recent decades, marked by diplomatic rifts and confrontations, including the 2010 Gaza flotilla incident. Erdogan's government has faced domestic pressure to take a firm stance against Israel, particularly after a significant electoral setback for his party earlier this year.
The announcement comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, with the United Nations warning of a looming humanitarian catastrophe. Efforts to address the crisis have included the reopening of aid routes, but challenges persist in delivering essential supplies to those in need.
Meanwhile, the United States has urged both Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and negotiate the release of hostages held in Gaza. A proposed deal reportedly involves a 40-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, though Hamas' response is awaited.
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Ladakh leaders welcome Wangchuk's release, demand others' freedom
New Delhi (PTI): Leaders from Ladakh on Saturday welcomed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's release from Jodhpur jail and demanded the release of remaining detainees.
Wangchuk was released from prison on Saturday after the Union government revoked his detention with immediate effect.
Ladakh MP Mohamad Hanifa hailed his release and urged the government to accept their demands for statehood and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
"We welcome the release of Sonam Wangchuk. But others also need to be released, and the government should also take back the cases filed against people who participated in the protests," Hanifa told PTI.
The Union Home Ministry, in its statement, commented on the law and order situation in the Union Territory.
"... prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists and overall economy," it said.
Hanifa, however, said protest is a Constitutional right, and urged the government to resolve the issue through dialogue.
"If our voice is not heard in any other way, then there is another way to protest. We have always protested peacefully from day one, and we believe in peaceful protests. This is to make our voice reach the government," he said.
"We have always said that we want a solution to these issues through dialogue," he said.
Kargil-based politician and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) member Sajjad Kargili, in a post on X, demanded the immediate release of Deldan Namgial and Smanla Dorjey, and appealed to the government to drop all charges against other detainees unconditionally.
"The revocation of NSA against Shri Sonam Wangchuk is a welcome move. However, our struggle of our legitimate rights continues," he said.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh.
More than 45 people, including 22 policemen, were injured in the protests.
