Palestinian Economy Minister Khalid al-Amur commended Turkey’s support for Palestine and shared new trade protocols that facilitate the direct import of Turkish goods, bypassing Israeli channels, to help sustain Palestinian markets amid ongoing conflict.
At the COMCEC summit in Istanbul, Palestinian Economy Minister Khalid al-Amur underscored the significant impact of Turkey’s support for Palestine during the current conflict, discussing enhanced trade protocols that bypass Israeli routes and allow Turkish goods to reach Palestinian territories through Palestinian merchants. Turkey’s recent exemption of Palestine from its broader trade ban on Israel ensures that Palestinians receive essential supplies despite regional challenges. Al-Amur highlighted the enduring trade relationship with Turkey, noting plans to strengthen economic ties, including a joint industrial zone in Jenin, and called for Turkish investment in Palestine to bolster the local economy during this challenging period.
Palestinian National Economy Minister al-Amur: Palestine Was Exempted from Trade Ban with Israel at Our Request
In Istanbul for the 40th Ministerial Meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Palestinian National Economy Minister Khalid al-Amur shared updates with an AA correspondent on Palestine’s trade situation. Expressing gratitude for the solidarity shown by Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Turkish government, al-Amur emphasized the positive impact this support has had on the resilience and morale of Palestinians, particularly during the recent, severe conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.
Al-Amur highlighted the historical trade relationship between Palestine and Turkey, explaining that due to geographic limitations and ongoing occupation, Palestinians have long depended on Israeli ports for imports. However, following the escalation in Gaza, President Erdoğan’s government suspended trade with Israel to pressure it into ending the violence. Al-Amur noted that, recognizing the need for vital goods, Palestine requested an exemption from this ban, leading to an agreement on mechanisms that would regulate trade with Turkey directly to the Palestinian market. These controls ensure that only Palestinian merchants handle Turkish goods, avoiding the involvement of Israeli intermediaries.
In discussions with Trade Minister Omar Bolat, al-Amur expressed Palestine’s reliance on Turkish imports to support its people and economy. He thanked Bolat for helping facilitate ongoing trade, noting that recent measures have increased Turkish exports to Palestine. Palestinian dates, for example, are now being exported to Turkey to support local producers during the conflict. He explained that with Turkey’s trade ban in place, goods previously routed through Israel are now brought directly into Palestine, handled solely by Palestinian merchants—a shift that has strengthened trade ties.
Al-Amur emphasized that these direct imports are regulated under strict guidelines agreed upon by both countries, with unique codes to separate Palestinian and Israeli markets. For example, Turkish exports to Palestine now use a specific code to ensure they reach Palestinian consumers without crossing into Israeli channels. He explained that these strict measures aim to control the flow of goods, ensuring that Turkish exports are consumed solely within Palestinian territories.
Al-Amur also expressed a vision for future economic collaboration between Turkey and Palestine. He highlighted ongoing efforts to establish the Jenin Industrial Zone, a joint project that faced delays but is now back on track. He invited Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Palestine, envisioning closer economic ties between Palestinian and Turkish businesses as the conflict subsides. Addressing unfounded criticisms against Turkey, al-Amur clarified that such accusations serve only to benefit the Israeli government, reinforcing their efforts against Palestinians.
