Turkey banned Israeli ships from entering its harbors

Turkey has introduced strict restrictions on vessels connected with Israel. According to Turkish media, ships flying the Israeli flag, owned by Israeli companies, or carrying cargo bound for Israel are no longer allowed into the country’s ports. Similar measures also apply to Turkish vessels — they are prohibited from docking in Israeli ports.

According to Reuters, this is not a formal legal act, but rather de facto restrictions already being enforced. Turkish port authorities require agents to provide written declarations confirming that vessels are not linked to Israel and do not carry military or hazardous cargo destined for that country. In case of violation, full responsibility falls on the agents, including payment of possible fines and expenses.

Despite the absence of an officially published government document, the de facto ban is in effect, as confirmed by representatives of the shipping industry. In particular, the Israeli port of Eilat has already reported a sharp decline in activity.

Experts note that the restrictions are related to the escalation of the political situation and Turkey’s support for the Palestinian side. At the same time, the legal uncertainty creates risks for international trade: companies are forced to comply with new requirements not backed by regulatory frameworks but carrying the weight of an actual ban.

Thus, Turkey has tightened control over maritime transportation, restricting access to its ports for vessels linked with Israel and prohibiting its own ships from docking in Israeli harbors, which in practice amounts to a transport blockade.