Banner reading 'end shame of trade with Israel' removed at Erdoğan's rally

Duvar English

The banner reading "End the shame of trade with Israel," unfurled during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's speech at a rally in western Sakarya province on Feb. 24, was swiftly taken down.

Some people, presumably police officers, approached the people unfurling the banner and removed it almost as soon as it was unfurled.

Groups demanding the cessation of relations with Israel, which have been continuing to attack and occupy Palestine, often organize protests against the Turkish government and companies that did not completely end their trade relations.

Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data revealed that Israeli imports increased after the attacks on Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023 in November. 

The Turkish government has been among the staunchest critics of Israel’s attacks in Gaza, and pro-government organizations have frequently called Turkish citizens to boycotts. 

Nevertheless, many reportings revealed that some companies close to Turkish government and Islamist business group Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD) have been continuing their ties with Israel. 

Israel killed 29,606 Palestinians and injured 69,737 in 141 days of attacks particularly during its carpet bombing in Gaza.

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