“No Zionism in our ports:” Protest in Turkey against docking of Israeli ship at Istanbul harbor

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters in Turkey stormed a major harbor in Istanbul following the docking of vessels from an Israeli shipping company, chanting, “No Zionism in our ports.”

The demonstration took place on Thursday at the Port of Ambarlı, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Marmara.

Although Turkey had officially severed trade relations with Tel Aviv, reports indicate that trade exchanges between Israel and Turkey continue.

According to Turkish media, the vessels belonged to the Israeli shipping company ZIM.

Videos of the protest circulated on social media, showing several demonstrators holding Palestinian flags and chanting anti-Zionist slogans.

The protesters broke through barricades as security guards attempted to stop them from advancing.

However, as tensions escalated, a security officer fired warning shots in the air, after which police took control of the situation and prevented protesters from accessing ZIM containers.

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🔴 BREAKING! Turkish protesters at the Ambarlı Port passed through the police barricade set up to protect the containers of the Israeli company. #Turkey pic.twitter.com/6HXkEIiP8m

— DOAM (@doamuslims) November 1, 2024

“Trade with Israel continues under the pretext of trade with Palestine,” journalist Metin Cihan was quoted as saying by Turkish Minute.

He further asserted that ZIM is one of the top 20 global carriers and that its vessels continue to operate freely in Turkish waters.

In May, Turkey ceased its trade with Israel due to being barred from transporting aid into the war-stricken Gaza Strip, where thousands of civilians are facing a famine-like situation.

Earlier in April, Ankara had imposed sanctions on Israel for refusing air-drop operations in the Gaza enclave. 

The two nations have robust economic ties, with a trade volume reaching $6.8 billion in 2023.