The Role of Egyptian Ports in Supporting Israel During the Gaza War

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has brought to light the critical role Egyptian seaports are playing in the transportation of goods to and from Israel. According to an investigation by Arabi Post, Egyptian ports have become vital supply points during the Gaza war, serving as key stations for cargo and cement ships. The investigation, which utilized open-source maritime data, tracked the movement of 19 ships over three months, revealing that these vessels were primarily engaged in transporting goods between Egyptian and Israeli ports.

Strategic Importance of Egyptian Ports

The proximity of Egyptian ports to Israeli ports, particularly Ashdod and Haifa, has made them indispensable in the logistics of the ongoing war. Ashdod Port, located just 29 kilometers from Gaza, is especially strategic, allowing for quick and cost-effective transportation of goods. The geographical advantage of these ports not only reduces shipping costs but also reflects on the prices of goods shipped by sea, making them a preferred choice for logistical operations during the conflict.

The investigation identified eight key ports involved in this operation: two in Israel (Ashdod and Haifa) and six in Egypt (Port Said, al-Arish, Abu Qir, Alexandria, Dekheila, and Damietta). These ports have been handling a significant volume of cargo, including container ships, cement carriers, general cargo ships, and bulk carriers. The ships, which sail under various flags, including Panama, Liberia, Israel, Egypt, Antigua and Barbuda, Singapore, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, are owned by companies from diverse countries such as Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Singapore, Germany, and Cyprus.

The Scale of Operations

The investigation revealed that 12 ships, including seven container ships and five general cargo ships, primarily operated between Egyptian and Israeli ports from June to August 2024. Among these, the Lucy Bochard, a cargo ship under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, was one of the most frequent visitors to both Egyptian and Israeli ports. The Egyptian ship Pan GG also played a significant role, making multiple trips between Ashdod and Haifa.

Notably, six ships dedicated to cement transportation were identified as operating primarily between Egyptian and Israeli ports during the Gaza war. These ships, which previously did not frequent Egyptian ports as much, have seen a surge in activity since the conflict began. Their routes typically include the Egyptian ports of Al-Arish, Abu Qir, and Alexandria, which have factories for producing cement.

Economic Implications

The war has led to a significant increase in trade between Egypt and Israel. According to official Israeli statistics, Egypt’s exports to Israel between October 2023 and July 2024 amounted to $170.1 million, up from $162.8 million during the same period in 2022 and 2023. Moreover, Egypt’s imports from Israel have tripled during the war, reaching $331.6 million, compared to $106.8 million in the previous two years.

July 2024 marked the highest month for Israeli exports to Egypt, totaling $30.6 million, while the same month recorded the highest rate of Israeli imports to Egypt, amounting to $45.4 million. This surge in trade highlights the deepening economic ties between the two countries during the conflict, facilitated by the strategic use of Egyptian ports.