Breaking News: Turkey restricts ship traffic linked to Israel

Turkey has taken a comprehensive decision to restrict ships linked to Israel. Accordingly, ships flying the Israeli flag or owned by Israel will not be able to dock at Turkish ports, unload cargo, or perform container transfers. Furthermore, Turkish-flagged ships have been prohibited from traveling to Israel.

Port authorities have begun requesting letters from shipping agencies, through unofficial channels, confirming that “the ship has no connection to Israel and is not carrying any military or dangerous cargo destined for the country.” According to sources speaking to Reuters, port authorities have asked agencies to provide written guarantees to this effect. However, no official circular regarding the implementation has been published.

A source providing information on the matter stated that the instruction is valid at all ports across Turkey, while another source indicated that the guarantee letters must clearly state that the ship's owners, operators, and managers have no connection to Israel, and must also specify that the ship does not contain special cargo such as explosives, radioactive materials, or military equipment destined for Israel.

The Ministry of Transport has not yet responded to Reuters' request for comment.

As is known, Turkey halted its annual trade with Israel, which reached 7 billion dollars, last year due to the attacks on Gaza. However, allegations that trade was continuing behind the scenes had become a topic of public debate. In particular, the significant increase in trade volume with Palestine following the cessation of trade with Israel was cited as the basis for these allegations.