On Thursday, the Turkish Trade Ministry confirmed that the country had fully suspended trading with Israel and that the decision would be in force until uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip is ensured. Earlier on Friday, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said that the restrictive measures would only be lifted after a ceasefire in Gaza.
"We know perfectly well how the West will attack us in connection with this decision [to suspend trade with Israel]," Erdogan said while visiting the Turkish Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association.
Ankara will "hold itself upright," knowing that one can only move forward by helping the suppressed, the Turkish leader added.
Erdogan voiced hope that Turkiye will set an example for other countries displeased with the status quo.