Sanctions on Israel

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Context:

• Turkey has decided to take various trade measures against Israel in the wake of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza strip.

Details:

• Israel’s allies have ramped up the pressure in recent weeks to allow more aid into Gaza to avert a worsening humanitarian crisis.
• Turkey has decided not to resume trade with Israel, worth $7 billion annually, until a permanent cease-fire and humanitarian aid are ensured in Gaza.
• Turkey already curbed exports of 54 product categories, including steel, fertilizer and jet fuel, over what it said was Israel’s refusal to allow Ankara to take part in aid air-drop operations for Gaza.
• These exports amounted to $5.4 billion in Turkish exports and $1.6 billion in Israeli imports.
• The top Turkish exports to Israel include steel, vehicles, plastics, electrical devices, and machinery.
• This decision is in response to Israel's "uncompromising attitude" and the deteriorating situation in Gaza's Rafah region.
• Several Israeli men are accused of being involved in settler violence in the West Bank.

Global response:

• Israel's Foreign Minister labelled it as a breach of international trade agreements and compared it to dictatorial behavior.
• Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza supported Turkey's decision as supportive of Palestinian rights.
• France has hinted at the possibility of sanctions to pressure Israel to withdraw troops from Gaza and allow more humanitarian aid.
• The US, Canada, France, and the UK have imposed targeted sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank accused of undermining stability and perpetrating violence against Palestinians.
• Chile's Actions
  • Chile has banned Israeli companies from participating in the 2024 International Air and Space Fair and cancelled cooperation/training activities and weapon purchases from Israel.
  • Chile has also requested an investigation by the International Criminal Court into Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied territories.

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement

• BDS movement urges global sanctions against Israel
• It is a nonviolent Palestinian-led movement promoting boycotts, divestments and economic sanctions against Israel.
• BDS drew inspiration from South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement.
• BDS now has branches in 40 countries and has also advocated a boycott of Israeli sporting, cultural and academic events, calling for pressure on foreign companies that “collaborate” with Israel.
• The movement is regularly accused of antisemitism by Israel and the US.

Apps Facilitating Boycotts

• Apps like Boycat help consumers boycott businesses which support Israel by scanning product barcodes to reveal their links to Israel.
• These apps also suggest alternative products for consumers to consider in place of Israeli products.

Role of  India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

• Arab nations have regularly condemned Israel’s aggressive tactics against civilians as it seeks to root out the Hamas militant group in Gaza.
• Riyadh has warned that it would only normalise relations with Israel if there is a two-state solution between the Israelis and Palestinians.
• Amidst this there was hope the IMEC could help speed up the long-awaited friendliness between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which the US hoped would help open the door for other Muslim countries to recognize Israel.
• The Israel-Hamas war has halted progress on what is known as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) which aims to foster integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf and Europe.
• The project will see new rail and shipping links built to counter China’s massive Belt and Road (BRI) infrastructure initiative.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/israel-sanctions-curbs-over-gaza-assault-9307976/

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. "Discuss the recent trade measures taken by Turkey against Israel in response to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Evaluate the effectiveness of such measures in addressing the ongoing conflict in the region and discuss the broader implications for diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel."( 250 words)