Israeli supermarkets halt imports from Turkey for Erdogan’s condemnation of Gaza bombings

A range of Israeli supermarket chains are halting imports from Turkey for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's comments on the ongoing war, according to Haaretz. 

Erdogan has repeatedly denounced Israel’s targeting of civilians since the start of the war on 7 October, and also said that Hamas was not a terrorist organisation, but rather a liberation organisation. 

The companies include Israel's largest supermarket chain, Shufersal, as well as competitors Rami Levy and Yochananof. Smaller importers have followed suit. 

In recent years, Turkey has become a key exporter to Israel. Last year it ranked number five after China, the United States, Switzerland, and Germany.