Turkey has introduced sweeping restrictions prohibiting ships linked to Israel from accessing its ports, in a move that further escalates Ankara’s measures against Tel Aviv amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

According to a memorandum issued by Turkish authorities and obtained by Al-Monitor, all vessels carrying explosives, radioactive materials, or military equipment bound for Israel are now banned from entering Turkish ports. This includes the denial of essential maritime services such as docking, maintenance, repairs, and refueling.

Declarations Required from Shipowners

Under the new rules, shipowners and operators must submit written declarations confirming that their vessels and management have no connection to Israel. Reuters reported that these declarations will be mandatory for all port entry applications. Turkish officials have warned that vessels carrying restricted cargo to Israel and providing false information will face heavy fines and expulsion from Turkish territorial waters. Authorities will digitally monitor these declarations and demand further information from ship agents when necessary.

Protests and Rising Tensions

Over the past two years, Turkish ports have been the focus of demonstrations by pro-Palestinian groups protesting Israeli vessels using local facilities. The new restrictions highlight Turkey’s deepening stance against Israel and mark a significant escalation of measures since the Gaza war broke out in 2023.

Following the outbreak of hostilities, Turkey and Israel downgraded their diplomatic relations. In 2024, Ankara imposed a full trade ban with Israel, slashing bilateral commerce by around $7 billion annually. Turkey has since conditioned the normalization of ties on the establishment of a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Preventing Loopholes

The memorandum also specifies that Turkish-flagged vessels are barred from docking at Israeli ports, a measure designed to prevent traders from circumventing the restrictions by falsely listing Palestinian territories as their cargo destination. A Turkish official familiar with the matter told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the rule aims to close potential loopholes.

Diplomatic Fallout

Turkey and Israel had only recently restored full diplomatic relations in 2022 after a four-year freeze, but the Hamas-led October 7 attacks and Israel’s military response in Gaza shattered the fragile reconciliation.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly denounced Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling it “genocide,” a claim Israel categorically rejects.