İstanbul’s ports have recently become sites of protest as activists call for an end to Turkey’s trade relations with Israel.
The Palestine Action Committee on Nov 7 staged a demonstration outside the İstanbul Regional Port Authority in Karaköy, demanding that Turkey’s waters and ports be closed to vessels carrying goods to Israel.
Arda Yıldız, speaking on behalf of the Palestine Action Committee, criticized Turkish authorities for allowing ships allegedly carrying supplies to Israel to dock at Turkish ports, despite the government’s previous declarations of trade suspensions.
“Despite announcing a halt to all imports and exports with Israel, the government has done nothing concrete to isolate the occupying state, and trade continues without interruption,” Yıldız stated. Yıldız also pointed to specific ships like the ‘Kathrin,’ which he claimed had been seen at Haydarpaşa Port with military cargo for Israel, and ZIM, an Israeli international cargo company active at various Turkish ports, as evidence of ongoing trade.
Government’s denial
Journalist Metin Cihan, who has extensively investigated Turkey’s trade relations with Israel since Oct 7, 2023, has reported that trade continues despite official statements that business with Israel has stopped, with exports listed as destined for Palestine but redirected en route. Cihan also noted an increase in exports to Palestine according to Turkish Statistics Institute data, adding that the Israeli press has covered this issue as well.
Earlier in the month, protesters demonstrated for two days at Ambarlı Port in the Beylikdüzü district, attempting to disrupt shipments they claimed were bound for Israel. Clashes erupted with police as activists boarded a ship belonging to the ZIM company.
Protesters clash with police at İstanbul port over alleged shipment to Israel
While this protest was unfolding, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat took to social media to deny the claims, saying thatall trade with Israel had been halted and that “Gaza receives uninterrupted humanitarian aid” from Turkey. Turkey continues trade with only Palestinian territories and only with importers that are confirmed by Palestinian authorities, said the minister.
However, Turkey’s sanctions on Israel have been met with skepticism as there has been a massive increase in the exports to Palestine since then. According to figures from the Turkish Exporters' Assembly, Turkey’s exports to Palestine increased by approximately 1,200% in July compared to the same month in 2023. Steel exports to Palestine jumped by 51,000%, and cement exports rose by 453,000%, which especially raises suspicion given the lack of infrastructure in Palestine to use such large quantities of steel and cement.
‘Complicity continues’
Highlighting recent instances, Yıldız detailed several ships allegedly carrying military equipment to Israel through Turkish waters and ports. These include:
- In August, the Nordic cargo ship, which had been barred from other ports due to its military cargo for Israel, was permitted to dock at Bandırma Port without obstruction.
- In September, the USS Wasp, a U.S. Navy vessel dispatched to the region to support Israel, docked in İzmir.
- In October and November, ships from the Israeli shipping company ZIM were active at Turkish ports, with ZIM planning to utilize various Turkish ports, including Aliağa, Derince, İzmit, Mersin, and Ambarlı, for at least 124 ships over the next three months.
- Recently, the Kathrin cargo ship, carrying military cargo and restricted from ports in several countries, docked at Haydarpaşa Port under the German flag after Portugal withdrew its flag to avoid complicity.
Further demonstrations at Ambarlı port
Yıldız also condemned the Turkish government, stating that despite its rhetoric of isolating Israel, it has enacted no genuine sanctions. “The government’s claims that these shipments are bound for Palestine are the same fabrications we heard months ago,” he remarked.
The Palestine Action Committee has committed to continuing its demonstrations, calling for the cessation of trade with Israel, particularly shipments involving military equipment. Yıldız announced that the next protest would be held on Sunday, November 17, at Ambarlı Port in Beylikdüzü.
About the Palestine Action Committee
Established on the 76th anniversary of the Nakba (May 15), the Palestine Action Committee was formed by dozens of political organizations, unions, and professional associations under the leadership of BDS Turkey. Originally named the Nakba Action Committee, the group transitioned to the Palestine Action Committee to maintain a principled line of solidarity with Palestine in Turkey.
The committee’s first protest was held on Jul 7, 2024, outside the US Consulate in İstanbul, and it has since focused on ending Turkey’s relationship with Israel. The group is also working to expand its activities to other cities.
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