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/